New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr left Monday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs early due to an oblique injury during the fourth quarter. The Saints eventually fell 26-13 at Arrowhead Stadium, according to NBC Sports.
The injury occurred as the Saints attempted to convert a crucial fourth down late in the game. The Chiefs launched an all-out blitz at Carr, resulting in a hard hit in the backfield. Carr was slow to rise and, a few plays later, was seen walking to the locker room without his helmet. The team initially listed him as questionable to return with an oblique injury, but further details have not yet been disclosed. Carr did not re-enter the game, finishing with 18 completions on 28 attempts for 165 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
After the game, Saints head coach Dennis Allen stated that Carr had sustained a “left side injury” and would undergo an MRI on Tuesday for further evaluation. Carr clarified that the injury wasn’t from the hit itself but occurred when he turned to throw the ball on that same play. “I couldn’t do what I needed to do, in the simplest form,” he said.
With Carr out, the Saints turned to rookie quarterback Jake Haener to finish the game. Haener, a fourth-round pick from Fresno State in the 2023 NFL Draft, had appeared in three games this season before Monday, but he had attempted only one pass prior to this outing. He completed 2 of 7 passes for 17 yards in relief of Carr.
The Chiefs maintained control throughout the game, securing the 13-point victory and extending their record to a perfect 5-0. Patrick Mahomes threw for 331 yards but also recorded an interception, his ninth in consecutive regular-season games. Running back Kareem Hunt contributed significantly for the Chiefs with 102 rushing yards and a touchdown on 27 carries.
On the Saints’ side, Alvin Kamara led with a modest 26 rushing yards on 11 attempts. Rashid Shaheed had an impressive 86 receiving yards and a touchdown from four catches, while Foster Moreau caught Carr’s other touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, briefly reducing the Chiefs’ lead to three points. However, the Chiefs responded with 10 unanswered points, sealing the win.
The Saints, who started the season with two dominant victories, have now lost three consecutive games. They are set to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday, but Carr’s availability for the matchup remains uncertain.