The New Orleans Saints are continuing to evaluate their quarterback options this preseason, and on Sunday, head coach Kellen Moore and the coaching staff announced another shake-up in the rotation. After rookie Spencer Rattler started in the team’s first preseason game, it will be Tyler Shough who takes the field with the starting unit this weekend against the Jacksonville

The move is not necessarily a permanent indication of the depth chart, but rather a fair and balanced approach to the Saints’ ongoing quarterback competition. Moore and his staff have been adamant that both young quarterbacks will be given ample opportunity to showcase their abilities before a final decision is made heading into the regular season.

A Balanced Approach to the Competition

Last week, Rattler was handed the start, though it came with a caveat: several of the Saints’ offensive starters were held out as a precaution, meaning the rookie quarterback didn’t get the full benefit of working with the first-team offense. This time around, the same may be true for Shough, as New Orleans is unlikely to risk certain veterans in a preseason game. However, the optics of starting are still significant. Being first on the field brings a chance to face another team’s starters and provides a higher-quality evaluation.

By giving Shough the nod this week, the Saints are ensuring both quarterbacks have a fair shot at proving themselves under similar circumstances. The coaching staff will be watching closely not just for statistical production, but also for leadership qualities, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to command an NFL huddle.

Shough vs. Rattler: Still No Clear Winner

The battle between Shough and Rattler has been closely contested throughout training camp. Both quarterbacks have had strong moments, but neither has created clear separation in the race. That lack of a definitive leader has kept the competition alive heading into the second preseason game.

Shough, however, enters Sunday with some momentum. Reports from last week’s opener suggest that the former Texas Tech and Oregon quarterback looked slightly sharper than Rattler. While Rattler showed flashes of the arm talent and mobility that made him a five-star recruit and standout at South Carolina, he also dealt with inconsistencies. Shough, on the other hand, appeared more composed and efficient, which could play a significant role in Moore’s decision-making.

Why This Week Matters

Preseason games may not count in the standings, but they carry major weight for players fighting for jobs — especially at quarterback. The Saints’ situation is unique: instead of a clear veteran starter cemented atop the depth chart, the team is genuinely open to the idea that either Shough or Rattler could earn the role.

Sunday’s matchup against Jacksonville represents a prime opportunity for Shough. If he can deliver another strong performance and show that he can protect the football, make accurate throws, and keep the offense on schedule, he may start to build trust with both the coaching staff and his teammates. For young quarterbacks, confidence from the locker room can sometimes be just as important as trust from the coaching staff.

Looking Ahead

The Saints still have time before final roster cuts and the start of the regular season. Moore has indicated that the competition could very well extend through the remainder of preseason play. The team wants to evaluate how both players respond to different scenarios — including playing from behind, operating in the red zone, and dealing with game pressure in late quarters.

Ultimately, the decision may come down to which quarterback displays the best combination of consistency and upside. Rattler is regarded as the more dynamic playmaker, capable of extending plays and making difficult throws on the move. Shough, by contrast, offers steadiness, size, and poise in the pocket — traits that could fit well in Moore’s system if the Saints want a lower-risk approach at the position.

Final Thoughts

For now, the Saints are committed to giving both quarterbacks a legitimate chance to win the job. Naming Shough the starter for Sunday’s preseason game is simply the next step in that process. What happens on the field against the Jaguars could play a major role in shaping the future of the Saints’ quarterback room — and potentially the direction of the franchise.

All eyes will be on Shough this weekend to see if he can seize the opportunity and begin to separate himself from Rattler. The outcome may not decide the competition outright, but it will provide the clearest glimpse yet into who might emerge as the Saints’ starting quarterback when the regular season kicks off.