Jake Haener will make his first NFL start for the Saints on Sunday, when New Orleans (5-8) faces Washington (8-5) at noon in the Caesars Superdome, interim coach Darren Rizzi announced Friday.

Starter Derek Carr, who suffered a concussion and an injury to his left (non-throwing) hand in the Saints' 14-11 victory over the Giants on Dec. 8, will miss his fourth game this season. He was sidelined earlier games against Tampa Bay, Denver and the Chargers with an oblique injury.

Haener, a fourth-round pick in 2023, was listed at No. 2 on the depth chart in the previous 13 games and has completed 14 of 29 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions, in seven relief appearances this season. He also has 18 rushing yards on seven carries.

Haener remained No. 2 in the three previous games Carr missed; Spencer Rattler, who was the No. 3 (emergency) quarterback in games 1-5 and 9-13, was elevated to starter in games 6-8.

Haener and Rattler battled for the backup spot during the offseason and into training camp and the regular season, as the coaching staff determined that the performance of each warranted a continuation of competition into the season.

Rattler completed 59 of 99 passes for 571 yards and a touchdown, with two interceptions, in three losses. He also ran for 61 yards on nine carries.