Saints Fortify Quarterback Depth Amid Carr's Injury Challenges
The New Orleans Saints have strategically turned to veteran quarterback Ben DiNucci in an attempt to fortify their quarterback lineup, following a concerning injury to their lead quarterback, Derek Carr. During Sunday's triumphant victory against the New York Giants, Carr was compelled to leave the field after sustaining multiple injuries, shaking the team’s stable foundation.
Injury Woes for Carr
A thorough medical examination confirmed that Carr had suffered a fracture in his non-throwing hand accompanied by a concussion. These injuries have cast doubt over his immediate future on the gridiron, with projections indicating a potential sidelining for several weeks or even the remainder of the season. Remarkably, the Saints are deliberating whether to avoid placing Carr on injured reserve, a move that would allow flexibility in his potential return later this season.
Enter Ben DiNucci
In the wake of Carr's predicament, the Saints have signed Ben DiNucci, whose journey through professional football showcases resilience and perseverance. DiNucci was drafted in the seventh round by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, having made an impression during his rookie year. He's known for his single starting appearance where he completed 21 of 40 passes, amassing 180 yards.
After being waived by the Cowboys in the summer of 2022, DiNucci maintained his professional career through the XFL. He led the Seattle Sea Dragons with robust performances, starting in 10 games and topping the XFL league charts with a commendable 7-3 record. His aptitude in adjusting quickly and learning on the job was highlighted during his stints with other teams such as the Denver Broncos, where he was part of the practice squad in 2023, and a brief period with the Buffalo Bills during the summer training camp of that year.
The Saints' Quarterback Conundrum
DiNucci's inclusion in the Saints' roster potentially reshapes their quarterback quartet. Should Carr remain off the injured reserve list, the Saints could navigate their season with DiNucci alongside Jake Haener and promising rookie Spencer Rattler. This tactical setup might offer a blend of experienced tenacity and fresh dynamism, a necessary adaptation given Carr's uncertain timeline for recovery.
For the New Orleans Saints, the signing of Ben DiNucci amidst Derek Carr's untimely injuries underscores a calculated approach to safeguarding their season's ambitions. By augmenting their quarterback roster with DiNucci's well-rounded experiences in both NFL and XFL arenas, the Saints demonstrate an astute eagerness to maintain competitive integrity and depth as they navigate the uncertainties of this NFL season.
Whether DiNucci’s potential inclusion significantly impacts the trajectory of the Saints’ season remains to be seen. However, his signing illustrates the unpredictable nature of the sport and the urgency teams feel to adapt quickly in the face of adversity.