The New Orleans Saints had a noticeable change in their depth chart ahead of their season opener on Sunday: Taysom Hill was back at quarterback, but there was no sign of rookie Jake Haener.
There’s a reason. Haener, who dazzled the Saints with his play during the preseason, was suspended by the NFL for six games without pay.
Saints Rookie QB Jake Haener Addresses Suspension
Announced by the NFL on Wednesday afternoon, the first-year NFL pro out of Fresno State was suspended for violation of the league’s performance-enhancing substance abuse policy.
It is currently not known which substance Haener tested positive for. The Saints provided a brief statement on the matter while revealing when Haener is eligible to return.
“Haener will be eligible to return to the Saints’ active roster on Monday, Oct. 16, following the team’s Week 6 game at Houston,” the statement read.
Haener provided a lengthier statement.
He took to social media to share a statement about his reaction to losing the first six games of his career. He claimed he didn’t knowingly have a banned substance in his system.
“I recently learned that I tested positive for a substance banned by the NFL earlier this summer. I still do not know how the substance got into my body, as none of my supplements or prescribed medications contain the banned ingredient,” Haener began.
Haener, selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, denies that he would ever disrespect the game.
“I would never knowingly cheat the game that I love,” Haener said in the statement. “However, I must take full responsibility for the failed test. I apologize to the Saints organization, my friends, and my family for any distraction this suspension may cause.”
Haener concluded, “I am disappointed to be away from the team for the coming weeks, but I will learn and grow from this experience. I look forward to returning to the team as soon as possible.”
My statement. pic.twitter.com/cOm2mtczw4
— Jake (@jakehaener10) September 6, 2023
How Will Saints Fill Haener’s Absence?
All this means is that the Saints will have one less Fresno State representative in the QB room for the beginning of the season.
Haener was never projected to win the starting job as the team added fellow Bulldogs legend and four-time Pro Bowler Derek Carr via the Las Vegas Raiders. Carr is QB1 ahead of the Saints’ opener with the Tennessee Titans at the Superdome.
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If anything, Haener’s stellar play during the month of August gave off the notion he was pursuing the No. 2 QB job ahead of backup QB Jameis Winston.
Now, Winston is officially the No. 2, while the versatile Hill becomes the third emergency QB option.