The Washington Commanders are gearing up for a pivotal Week 15 showdown against the New Orleans Saints, aiming to solidify their hold on an NFC Wild Card spot. The possibility of one key absence for the Saints presents the Commanders an even better probability of emerging victorious at Caesars Superdome.
Washington enters the matchup with renewed momentum following a dominant win over the Tennessee Titans, snapping a brief three-game skid. With their playoff aspirations on the line, the Commanders understand the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity.
As the Commanders prepare for their road test, the Saints face a major setback. Starting quarterback Derek Carr sustained a significant fracture in his non-throwing hand during New Orleans' narrow win over the New York Giants.
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed Carr's injury and added that the quarterback remains in concussion protocol. While Rizzi has not ruled out Carr for Sunday's game, reports suggest the injury could keep him sidelined for several weeks, casting doubt over his availability for the remainder of the season.
Carr's absence shifts the focus to backup quarterbacks Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler, both of whom have limited experience this season. The Saints' offense will likely lean heavily on Alvin Kamara, their dual-threat running back, to provide stability and test Washington's fifth-ranked pass defense.
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The Commanders, sitting at 8-5, aim to capitalize on the Saints' challenges as they look to maintain their playoff position. With a rested roster following their bye week, Washington is primed to take advantage of any weaknesses in New Orleans' game plan. With four games left in the regular season, every win is crucial for the Commanders to fend off competitors in a tight NFC playoff race, and they hope to start with a victory in Louisiana.
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This story was originally published December 10, 2024, 10:00 AM.