In a decisive step aimed at strengthening their quarterback lineup, the New Orleans Saints have made headlines with the signing of seasoned quarterback Ben DiNucci. This strategic acquisition comes on the heels of a challenging situation involving their starting quarterback, Derek Carr, who was injured during Sunday's win against the New York Giants.
Injury Woes for Carr
Derek Carr's battle with injuries has taken center stage following his performance against the Giants. Medical evaluations revealed that Carr sustained a fracture in his non-throwing hand alongside a concussion. Such severe injuries are anticipated to keep Carr sidelined for a considerable period, casting doubt on his availability for the remainder of the season. Despite the gravity of these injuries, the Saints are deliberating over whether to place Carr on injured reserve, a move that would put an official pause on his playtime.
DiNucci's Road to the Saints
With Carr's predicament in full view, the signing of Ben DiNucci could prove to be a timely solution for the Saints. DiNucci, a quarterback with a notable history, initially entered the NFL landscape as a seventh-round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. His rookie year saw him take the field as a starter for one game, during which he managed to complete 21 of 40 pass attempts for a total of 180 yards. However, by the summer of 2022, DiNucci found himself waived by the Cowboys.
Post-Cowboys, DiNucci took his talents to the XFL, where he played ten games for the Seattle Sea Dragons. Demonstrating commendable performance, DiNucci made waves in the league, leading it in passing while achieving a 7-3 record. This stint spotlighted his capability to adapt and excel in different football environments. The 2023 season saw DiNucci spend time on the practice squad with the Denver Broncos before he briefly joined the Buffalo Bills during summer training camp.
Implications for the Saints
Ben DiNucci’s addition to the Saints’ roster introduces a potentially dynamic shift in their quarterback strategy. If Derek Carr avoids the injured reserve list and DiNucci is activated, the team could find itself with a robust quartet of quarterbacks. This lineup would not only include DiNucci but also Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler, providing the Saints with a variety of options to navigate the remainder of the season.
The Saints' decision to bring in DiNucci reflects their proactive approach to a challenging situation. By securing DiNucci, they aim to bolster their roster depth while maintaining competitiveness in a season where every game counts. As they face the possibility of forging ahead without Derek Carr, the insights that DiNucci brings from his diverse playing experiences, ranging from the NFL to the XFL, could be invaluable.
This move underscores the Saints' commitment to adaptability and resilience, qualities that are crucial in the ever-unpredictable world of professional football. As fans and analysts alike wait to see how this will play out on the field, one thing remains clear: the New Orleans Saints are gearing up for whatever challenges may lie ahead in the season.