Last week, the New Orleans Saints handed the reins of their offense to rookie Tyler Shough, as head coach Kellen Moore confirmed the 26-year-old quarterback will start moving forward after a 1-7 start to the season.

Shough, the second-round pick (No. 40 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Louisville, replaces Spencer Rattler, who compiled 1,586 passing yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions in eight starts this season.

Moore said, “I’m really excited about this opportunity for him. He has been preparing every week just as he would be if he were the starter; he is ready to go.”

Shough made his first significant appearance when he relieved Rattler in the third quarter of a 23-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards and an interception. He acknowledged the new role, saying, “It was a good feeling, but we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Offensive struggles prompted the switch: New Orleans has averaged just 16 points per game and has scored 14 or fewer this season. Moore emphasized that while the change is credited to Shough, the offense as a whole must raise its level.

Rattler will shift to a backup role and support Shough in his development. The Saints are betting that a fresh face at quarterback will spark an offense in need of consistency.

In Shough’s starting debut, head coach Kellen Moore said he saw “some positives” despite the team’s loss to the Rams, 30-10. “Certainly there were some positives in there,” Moore said. “Thought he handled himself well, and so we didn’t get enough opportunities to compete.”