Saints Bolster Quarterback Roster with Veteran Ben DiNucci
In a decisive move to strengthen their quarterback roster, the New Orleans Saints have signed seasoned quarterback Ben DiNucci. This comes in the wake of their pivotal victory over the New York Giants, overshadowed by star quarterback Derek Carr's exit due to multiple injuries.
The Carr Situation
Derek Carr, who has been instrumental in the Saints' offensive line-up, suffered significant injuries during the game. Medical assessments later confirmed that Carr sustained a fracture in his non-throwing hand, compounded by a concussion. These injuries present a bleak prospect for Carr, as they could not only sideline him for several weeks but potentially end his season prematurely.
Despite the severity of his injuries, the Saints are reportedly contemplating leaving Carr off injured reserve. This decision might allow for some flexibility, provided Carr manages an unexpectedly swift recovery.
Introducing Ben DiNucci
Ben DiNucci's signing signifies the Saints' proactive approach to ensuring sufficient depth and reliability at the quarterback position during Carr's absence. Originally drafted in the seventh round by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, DiNucci's potential was only briefly realized during his rookie year when he started one game. In that appearance, he completed 21 of his 40 pass attempts for a total of 180 yards.
After being waived by the Cowboys in the summer of 2022, DiNucci found his stride in the XFL with the Seattle Sea Dragons. As the starting quarterback, he led the league in passing, bringing the Sea Dragons to a commendable 7-3 record. His performance in the XFL showcased his ability to command the field and delivered a poignant reminder of his resilience and adaptability.
DiNucci's journey continued through various NFL engagements. He spent the 2023 season with the Denver Broncos on their practice squad and briefly joined the Buffalo Bills during the 2023 summer training camp, broadening his experience and versatility across different team environments.
A Strategic Addition
The strategic inclusion of DiNucci could see the Saints juggling a quartet of quarterbacks, including Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler, if they opt not to place Carr on injured reserve and elevate DiNucci to the active roster. This tactical layering allows New Orleans both security and a dynamism to adapt to on-field exigencies. The ability to rotate quarterbacks and leverage different playing styles could prove invaluable as the Saints navigate through the remainder of the season.
While it remains undecided how DiNucci will be utilized in the line-up, his presence undoubtedly reinforces the Saints' bench. As the team charts its course towards regaining stability without Carr, the collective experience and potential of their reconfigured quarterback ensemble offer a hopeful outlook.
Ben DiNucci's journey to this point has been marked by resilience and tenacity. His varied experiences across the NFL and XFL provide him with a unique perspective and a spirit of perseverance that could be crucial for the Saints in the weeks to come. Whether he will rise to the forefront in Carr’s stead remains to be seen, but his arrival in New Orleans is a testament to the ambitious foresight of the Saints' management as they aim to maintain competitive momentum throughout the season.