Saints rookie quarterback Jake Haener has been suspended for the first six games of the 2023 NFL season after violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The NFL released a statement regarding Haener’s suspension, stating that the rookie will rejoin the team on Monday, Oct. 16, the day after the Saints play the Texans.
Haener released a statement on social media shortly after the news dropped on Wednesday.
“I recently learned that I tested positive for a substance banned by the NFL earlier this summer,” Haener wrote. “I still do not know how the substance got into my body, as none of my supplements or prescribed medications contain the banned ingredient. I would never knowingly cheat the game that I love, however I must take full responsibility for the failed test.”
Jake Haener says he didn’t knowingly take a banned substance pic.twitter.com/c4qlVKZB9H
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) September 6, 2023
This puts the Saints in a sticky situation in terms of their backup quarterback situation. On the team’s depth chart, former starter Jameis Winston is set as Derek Carr’s primary backup, but Winston is coming off a season-ending knee injury from last season.
Taysom Hill, who is normally listed as a tight end, now sits as the third-string quarterback following Haener’s suspension.
Haener was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft out of Fresno State, Carr’s alma mater. He started in 10 games last season, finishing with a 72% completion rate, 2,896 yards and 20 touchdowns.
The rookie played in all three preseason games, completing 38-of-72 passes for 395 yards and one touchdown, along with three interceptions.
