Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Aidan O'Connell

Monday, October 21, 6:51 PM

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said the plan is to stick with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler (hip) if Derek Carr (oblique) is unable to play in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Allen feels that Rattler has played well when he has been protected. Meanwhile, Carr had a throwing session on Monday and will have another on Tuesday as the team continues to evaluate him. The Saints pulled Rattler late in a blowout loss to the Denver Broncos last Thursday due to a hip-pointer injury, but he appears to be on track to play this weekend if Carr isn't cleared. The 24-year-old was dominated by a good Broncos defense last week and threw for 172 yards and no TDs while losing two fumbles. He's been sacked 11 times in his first two NFL starts and could be without top wideout Chris Olave (concussion) again this week. If Rattler makes a third straight start, he'll be a desperation low-end QB2 against the Bolts.

Monday, October 21, 1:18 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (thumb) will be placed on Injured Reserve after fracturing his right thumb in the Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, according to sources. O'Connell was making his second start of the year on Sunday but will now be out for four to six weeks and will miss at least the next four games after going on IR. He'll have a chance to return this season, but the earliest O'Connell can return would be in Week 13 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 8. In his two starts, O'Connell went 33-for-50 for 279 yards with a TD and an interception. Gardner Minshew II will now take over as Vegas' starter, but he's nothing more than a low-upside, low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues. After relieving O'Connell on Sunday, Minshew went 15-for-34 for 154 yards with three interceptions and also lost a fumble.