Saints fall 26-21 to the 49ers as Spencer Rattler makes his second start while Derek Carr’s shoulder injury and retirement cast a long shadow over New Orleans’ offense.

Rumors link Carr to a possible unretirement trade to Cincinnati during Joe Burrow’s absence, but health concerns and Cincinnati’s preference for Jake Browning make a deal unlikely. New Orleans pursues a youth movement while Week 2 injuries ripple across the league.

The coming weeks will test how quickly Rattler adapts and how aggressively teams adjust around backup QB situations in a league where roster churn is king.

Kyle Juszczyk enters concussion protocol and won’t play the 49ers’ home opener vs. Arizona, thinning a core blocking and passing-game role.

Jauan Jennings is day-to-day with shoulder and ankle injuries, likely limited or out Week 3.

Bartch is out with a high-ankle sprain, pushing rookie Connor Colby into left guard and hinting at a longer-term role if he keeps it up.

The Saints game saw 21 personnel fall to 13.2%, signaling a faster, more versatile attack against a Cardinals secondary led by Will Johnson.

Ben Bartch’s high-ankle sprain sidelines the 49ers’ left guard, forcing the team to lean on a rookie and reshuffle the interior line as Week 2’s run game showed promise behind the left guard. Colby stepped up in Bartch’s absence and impressed, hinting he could secure the starting job if Bartch goes IR, with Moss or Zakelj as immediate practice-squad options.

Spencer Burford’s knee injury adds another layer of uncertainty, while Jauan Jennings’ ankle, Kyle Juszczyk’s concussion protocol, and Siran Neal’s concussion evaluation keep SF’s skill positions and blocking schemes in flux. Robert Beal joining the practice squad stabilizes depth, and Colby’s early success could free up the offense to lean on the run more efficiently as the season progresses.

Overall, SF is navigating an injuried-heavy week with a rookie stepping up, potential IR moves looming, and a handful of players in concussion protocol, all while aiming to maintain offensive pace behind a revamped front five and a broader receiving corps.