Saints Bolster Quarterback Depth with Ben DiNucci Signing
In a pivotal move to address their quarterback situation, the New Orleans Saints have signed veteran quarterback Ben DiNucci. This decision follows the unfortunate exit of Saints' starter Derek Carr, who sustained multiple injuries during Sunday's victory over the New York Giants.
Carr's Injury Woes
As the Saints battle through a rigorous season, they face the significant absence of Derek Carr. The quarterback sustained a fracture in his non-throwing hand and suffered a concussion, with medical assessments indicating a potential sidelining for several weeks, or even the remainder of the season. Despite these setbacks, the Saints are weighing their options and have not yet committed to placing Carr on injured reserve.
DiNucci's Journey to New Orleans
Ben DiNucci's journey to joining the Saints is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Initially drafted by the Dallas Cowboys as a seventh-round pick in 2020, DiNucci has had a rollercoaster of a professional career. His rookie season saw him stepping in as a starter for the Cowboys, completing 21 of 40 passes for 180 yards in his single appearance. However, his stint with the Cowboys was short-lived, as he was waived by the team in the summer of 2022.
Not deterred by this setback, DiNucci took his talents to the XFL, where he played for the Seattle Sea Dragons and started 10 games. Displaying impressive skills, he led the league in passing and helped guide his team to a 7-3 record. This performance caught the attention of NFL teams, leading to his engagement with the Denver Broncos practice squad for the 2023 season and a brief association with the Buffalo Bills during their summer training camp.
Quarterback Dynamics in New Orleans
With the latest addition of DiNucci, the Saints find themselves with a potentially intriguing quartet of quarterbacks. Jake Haener, who has also seen action, and rookie Spencer Rattler round out the current depth chart. DiNucci's incorporation into the active roster alongside Carr—should the latter not be placed on injured reserve—provides Head Coach Dennis Allen with multiple strategies to pivot and execute their playbook effectively.
The acquisition of DiNucci is more than a temporary fix; it is a strategic maneuver to ensure that the Saints remain competitive in the face of adversity. Known for his resilience and adaptability, DiNucci could prove to be a valuable asset, providing reliable support to the team during a critical time in their season.
The Road Ahead
As the Saints navigate the challenges posed by Carr's absence, Coupled with the uncertainty surrounding their starting quarterback's recovery timeline, bolstering their lineup with the experienced DiNucci might just be the answer they needed. His journey through various leagues and teams has equipped him with a rich understanding of different offensive systems, ready to adapt and deliver when called upon.
For now, all eyes will be on how the Saints integrate DiNucci into their roster, aiming to maintain their momentum and compete at the highest level. The upcoming games will reveal not only the impact of DiNucci's presence but also the broader resilience of the Saints organization in the face of adversity.