NFL's last-minute rule tweak can have a major impact on Saints' QB decision before regular season begins

The NFL doesn't stop changing roster rules. Right now, a day before the final roster cuts, the league decided to revert back to the 2023 rules regarding the emergency quarterback.

Earlier this year, the NFL had decided to allow quarterbacks on the practice squad to be elevated for gameday and designated as the emergency QB3. But now, it won't apply. For a QB to be eligible for this rule, he has to be on the active 53-man roster .

How it impacts the Saints

The Saints have their starter. It is Derek Carr. Behind him, Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler have battled hard to secure the backup job. With this change, both players are safe when it comes to roster cuts .

They were both most likely going to secure a spot, but this decision by the NFL pushes New Orleans to keep both of them active on game days. If Carr and the immediate backup get hurt in the same game, New Orleans will be allowed to have an extra active player for game day.

If the Saints waive Rattler or Haener (unlikely) and bring him (or them) back to the practice squad, the player won't be allowed to be the emergency QB. He could still be elevated for gameday, but to be active he would have to occupy a 48-man gameday spot.

According to Tom Pelissero, from NFL Network , "Allowing teams to elevate the third QB each week would have amounted to a sort of legal stashing, which the union doesn't want." Basically, the previous "new" rule has been vetoed by the NFLPA.

It's unknown who the Saints will designate as their backup to begin the season. Both Haener and Rattler had high points throughout camp and the preseason.

Also keep in mind that Taysom Hill will also be active on a weekly basis, giving the Saints a unique situation in case of a slew of injuries at the QB position.

Related: Saints Roster Cuts Tracker 2024: Covering every move New Orleans makes towards 53 players