New Orleans Saints rookie QB gets snapped back to reality in practice after impressive preseason performance

The hype train for New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler has been chugging along this offseason. It officially reached its highest speed this past weekend when he played well in his first game action vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

Rattler oozes physical potential, and his mental makeup has impressed analysts, teammates, and the coaching staff in New Orleans. He's ready to compete and start down the road in the pros.

Of course, the NFL is a rollercoaster, not a train station, though. There are up's and down's for young players, especially. Rattler is reportedly dealing with that a bit this week, following his dynamic performance.

Spencer Rattler struggles in practice following first NFL game

According to John Hendrix, Rattler had a "tough day" at practice on Tuesday. Jake Haener had an impressive day, and Derek Carr looked solid as well.

Rattler is dealing with a thigh injury that held him out of practice on Sunday for precautionary reasons, according to sources.

In team drills, Derek Carr went 11/11 with a touchdown in today's practice. According to reporters at practice, he was sharp.

That is a good sign for the Saints following a lackluster performance from the offensive starters against Arizona. They need to step up and prove that they're the top dogs on the depth chart for a reason. Carr did that on Tuesday.

Nick Underhill of NOFNetwork noted Haener's performance on Tuesday as well, calling it the best of the three. He's a fiery competitor and is not backing down from the backup competition with the rookie.

We will see if Rattler can bounce back this week during practice, and expect plenty from him this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 of the Saints preseason.