Who Should I Start? Jake Haener or Ian Book

Saturday, December 14, 5:19 AM

The New Orleans Saints will give quarterback Jake Haener the start on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed the nomination in comments to the media on Friday. Haener took the reins from Derek Carr (hand, concussion) in Week 14 after Carr injured himself late in the Saints' win over the New York Giants. He only had one dropback in that game, which resulted in a sack for a loss of 10 yards. This will be Haener's first start of the season. During the season, Haener appeared in seven games in 2024, going 14-for-29 for 177 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The Saints wide receiver corps has been depleted by injuries, limiting the inexperienced Haener's utility to fantasy managers in two-QB leagues who are desperate for their second option.

Thursday, December 26, 12:07 PM

The Philadelphia Eagles signed free-agent quarterback Ian Book to their practice squad on Thursday after he visited with the team on Wednesday, according to sources. Jalen Hurts (concussion) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's estimated practice report, while backup Kenny Pickett (ribs) was limited. With Philly's QB room banged up heading into their Week 17 tilt versus the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, the Eagles now have extra QB insurance with Tanner McKee and Book. Fantasy managers that have been riding Hurts all year should be a bit worried that he won't be cleared to play this weekend. You should have a backup plan in place in case Hurts doesn't gain clearance from an independent neurologist later this week. If anyone but Hurts is under center on Sunday leading the Eagles' offense, it will be bad news for running back Saquon Barkley and receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.