Injuries to starting quarterback Derek Carr have led the New Orleans Saints to sign journeyman Ben DiNucci, who announced the news on social media on Tuesday.
The team has not confirmed the signing or whether DiNucci would be on the active roster or practice squad. He provides depth behind Carr’s backups, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler.
Interim coach Darren Rizzi announced Monday that Carr suffered an injury to his left (non-throwing) hand and also entered the concussion protocol. Rizzi disputed an NFL Network report that Carr has a “major fracture” and said surgery isn’t required.
The Saints (5-8), according to media reports, might not put Carr on injured reserve with four games remaining in the regular season, including at home on Sunday against the Washington Commanders (8-5).
Carr was injured when he tried to leap for a first down late in the final quarter of a 14-11 road win against the New York Giants on Sunday. He was near the sideline and went airborne, landing hard on the left hand with this face then slamming into the turf as he landed out of bounds with 3:59 left in the game.
Carr completed 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Haener finished up the game for the Saints.
Overall, Carr has passed for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He missed three games earlier this season due to an oblique injury.
DiNucci, 28, has appeared in three NFL games (one start), all with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 when starter Dak Prescott injured his ankle. DiNucci completed 23 of 43 passes (53.5 percent) for 219 yards. The Cowboys drafted him in the seventh round in 2020.
After the Cowboys released him in August 2022, DiNucci spent time with the Denver Broncos’ practice squad during the 2023 season before his release in May. The Buffalo Bills signed him on Aug. 12 and released him on Aug. 27.
–Field Level Media