The New Orleans Saints are turning to rookie quarterback Tyler Shough as their new starter against the Los Angeles Rams, sending Spencer Rattler to the bench.
A post on X from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport read: “The future is now in New Orleans, with the #Saints making rookie QB Tyler Shough their starter. Spencer Rattler now heads to the bench, while the second-rounder moves to the forefront in a decision coach Kellen Moore informed them of today.”
The move comes after head coach Kellen Moore benched Rattler in the third quarter of the Saints’ 23-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Shough replaced Rattler and completed 15 of 21 passes for 136 yards and one interception. Moore said following the game: “We just needed to find a way to create something on offense. It has more to do with the offense collectively. We’re just not executing and playing at a high enough standard and we gotta find a way to move the football consistently, protect the football and score points. This is a pure full offensive evaluation point. We’re just not there.”
Moore initially said he would take 48 hours to decide on a starter, but later confirmed Tuesday that Shough would lead the team moving forward. Sunday’s matchup will mark the rookie’s first NFL start — and his first start overall since Nov. 30, 2024, when he played for Louisville. In limited appearances this season, including brief action late in a blowout loss to Seattle in Week 3, Shough has shown flashes of composure despite the Saints’ broader offensive struggles.
Meanwhile, Rattler has endured a difficult stretch, going 1-13 in his career (which is tied for the second-worst record by any quarterback through their first 14 starts since 1950). Over his past two games, he’s turned the ball over six times — throwing four interceptions and losing two fumbles — while being sacked seven times in the same span. His lone victory came in Week 5 against the New York Giants.
Shough, 26, impressed during the preseason by completing 66.7% of his passes for 333 yards with two total touchdowns and two turnovers. Before entering the NFL, Shough played for Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville, compiling a 21-11 record as a college starter. In his final collegiate season at Louisville, he completed 62.7% of his passes for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Editorial credit: D’Avril Grant / Shutterstock.com