Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after field after an injury during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Saints Sign Ben DiNucci as Derek Carr Faces Extended Absence due to Injury

New Orleans bolsters quarterback depth after Derek Carr's hand injury; DiNucci brings experience from the NFL and XFL.

The New Orleans Saints are taking proactive measures after losing starting quarterback Derek Carr to a recent injury. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported that Carr fractured his non-throwing hand during the Saints’ 14-11 win over the New York Giants on Sunday.

To address the sudden gap, the Saints have signed quarterback Ben DiNucci, who confirmed the news on social media. While it remains uncertain whether DiNucci will join the active roster or the practice squad, his addition provides some much-needed depth at quarterback as the Saints navigate Carr’s absence.

Saints QB Derek Carr expected to miss several weeks with significant fracture in left hand. (via @rapsheet & @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/mrBWyiEF8x
— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2024

DiNucci, a James Madison University product, entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. During his rookie season, he made one start, completing 21 of 40 passes for 180 yards with two fumbles in a Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

DiNucci transitioned to the XFL after his time with Dallas, where he played for the Seattle Sea Dragons. He led the league in passing, steering the team to a 7-3 record as a starter. Most recently, DiNucci spent the 2023 season on the Denver Broncos practice squad and had a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills during their 2024 training camp

Derek Carr Will Miss at Least the Next Several Weeks

Carr sustained his injury in the fourth quarter, forcing the Saints to rely on their quarterback backups. As Carr dove forward for a first down, he collided with a teammate and attempted to break his fall using his left hand. It was the second game this season that he had to leave early due to injury. He bruised an oblique muscle during a Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, forcing him out of the next three games. Darren Rizzi also mentioned that Carr is in the concussion protocol.

“I’ve already seen some reports out there, a little bit false, As it stands at this moment, I don’t believe it’s going to be an [injured reserve] situation.” : Rizzi said.

“It appears at the moment that it’s nonsurgical. If it was surgical, we’d be having a different conversation, which is why this is going to remain day-to-day.” : He added mentioned.

Rookie Spencer Rattler has filled in during Carr’s previous absences, starting three games earlier this season. In those starts, Rattler threw for 571 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. However, the Saints are looking for additional reinforcements, which led to the signing of DiNucci.

Also Read: Who won Monday Night Football last night? Week 14 Monday Night Football Results

What’s Next for the Saints?

The Saints, now 5-8, face difficulty getting into the playoffs, with their chances of advancing remaining below 1 percent. While the addition of DiNucci offers depth, the team will need significant improvement to turn their season around.

Whether it’s Rattler, Jake Haener, or DiNucci under center, the team must find consistency in Carr’s absence to maintain their playoff aspirations.

Image Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Ben DiNucci

Derek Carr

Derek Carr Injury

New Orleans Saints

NFL

Anamika Shrivastava

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