If Carr is unable to play, it leaves Shough, 2024 fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler and 2023 fourth-round pick Jake Haener as the Saints' quarterback options. Rattler went 0-6 as a starter last season, throwing four touchdowns and five interceptions, while Haener lost his only start.

Amid rumors claiming that Carr could miss at least a portion of the upcoming season due to a shoulder injury, the New Orleans Saints selected Shough with the 40th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr has stated publicly for the first time that he has a shoulder injury. But Carr is stopping short of disclosing specifics about how or when it happened, or how it might affect his playing status this coming season.