Who Should I Start? Skylar Thompson or Jake Haener

Monday, September 30, 6:19 PM

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) is officially inactive for Monday night's contest at Hard Rock Stadium against the visiting Tennessee Titans and will serve as the team's emergency third QB behind starter Tyler Huntley and backup Tim Boyle. There was some uncertainty as to who would start under center for Miami on Monday night after Thompson injured his ribs in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Boyle replaced Thompson in that game, but the Dolphins have decided to pivot to the recently signed Huntley, who will be making the 10th start of his career since entering the league in 2020. Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is on Injured Reserve and is out indefinitely. If Huntley handles himself well and gives the team a chance to win on Monday against the Titans, he could be in play to make a second straight start in Week 5 against the division-rival Patriots, regardless of Thompson's health.

Friday, October 18, 4:40 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener was probably not expecting to be on the field for Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos. Even with Derek Carr (oblique) needing more time to heal, Spencer Rattler (hip) was the expected starter and it was made clear by the team that the rookie would be given a long leash. As it so happened, Rattler himself was forced to the sidelines after falling awkwardly when he was sacked with just over four minutes left in the game. The play resulted in a fumble that the Broncos returned for a touchdown, putting Haener under center on short notice. The second-year quarterback from Fresno State looked better than he did when he relieved Carr in Week 5. Haener completed 3-of-4 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown, the first of his career. It is too soon to tell if Rattler's injury is enough to keep him out of action but if he is held out of Week 8 then Haener would be the next man up. Whoever draws the start won't have it easy as the Saints next face the Los Angeles Chargers, who have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game in 2024.