Chargers catch a big break with Saints' likely QB starter in Week 8

Questions lingered throughout the beginning of this week as to whether New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr would be able to return against the LA Chargers. Carr has missed the last two games for New Orleans after suffering an oblique injury vs. Kansas City.

Carr completed a throwing session earlier this week. Questions about the Saints' usual starter were even asked to head coach Jim Harbaugh in media availability as there was a possibility he could play.

However, it seems as though the Chargers will not end up playing against Carr after all. Per Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football, Dennis Allen has said that the expectation is for rookie Spencer Rattler to make his third start:

Spencer Rattler will likely start for the Saints vs. the Chargers

Things could change if Carr is able to log some efficient practices, but the Saints will likely be careful in managing their franchise quarterback.

Rattler has had an erratic few weeks as the starter for the Saints. While there are some interesting moments that demonstrated his potential on tape, the fifth-round rookie has also been markedly inefficient. On paper, one touchdown and two interceptions for 415 yards isn't the worst stat line one could come up with. But Rattler has compounded his problems with three fumbles for a total of five turnovers in just two starts.

Relative to how efficient the Saints' offense was earlier in the season, they haven't seen the same sustained offensive success in the last few weeks. That was even true when Carr came back down to earth a little bit after New Orleans' offense exploded in their first two games.

Still, Carr had eight touchdowns and four interceptions with nearly 1000 yards in his first five weeks. Taking care of the ball and maintaining consistent success from drive to drive has been more difficult for Saints OC Klint Kubiak with Rattler starting.

The Chargers' wins vs. Denver and Las Vegas this year certainly reflected a disciplined approach of playing clean offense while forcing multiple turnovers. In their three wins this season, Los Angeles has won the turnover battle by a combined 6-2 margin. If there was a week for DC Jesse Minter's defense to get more opportunistic, it is a game against this version of Rattler still finding his footing in the NFL.

LA could also finally get the services of Joey Bosa back vs. New Orleans. He was spotted at practice today participating in drills. Having Khalil Mack and Bosa back together would certainly take stress off of their other EDGE players in rushing the Saints' rookie QB.

The Chargers will kick off against the Saints at SoFi Stadium on Sunday at 1:05 PM PT as they look to bounce back from a tough MNF loss.