Saints set three way QB test in preseason

The Saints begin three way quarterback evaluation with Rattler taking the first snap, followed by Shough and Haener.

Spencer Rattler to Start Saints Preseason Opener

Spencer Rattler will start the Saints preseason opener against the Chargers, with Tyler Shough coming in next and Jake Haener finishing the series. Head coach Kellen Moore said the order is Spencer, then Tyler, then Jake. He added that this does not prove a lead in the race, but that Rattler earned the first shot through solid training camp. Several starters will be held out of the game, and Moore stressed that the preseason is only part of the evaluation behind the ongoing competition.

Rattler started six games for the Saints last season and is eager to show what he can do. The Saints list Rattler Shough Haener as co starters at quarterback on the depth chart, signaling a three way contest that will continue through the preseason. Moore said the plan is about evaluation, not a final verdict, and the team will place more emphasis on practices than any single game.

This move signals that the Saints are embracing an open competition rather than declaring a winner early. Rattler will gain live game reps to complement camp work, while Shough and Haener stay engaged and push for more opportunities. The risk is that a strong preseason can mislead about regular season readiness, especially when the offense isn’t deployed with its full first unit.

As the competition unfolds, the Saints will need to translate camp and exhibition work into consistent execution. The decision to list all three as co starters at quarterback adds intrigue to roster decisions and practice planning, and it keeps options open while the team assesses fit, learning curve, and poise under pressure.

Highlights

The preseason is a chapter in a longer story about turning potential into a reliable regular season starter.