Saints QB suspended for 6 games

According to a league official, rookie reserve quarterback Jake Haener of the New Orleans Saints has been suspended for the first six games of the regular season for breaking the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Haener was not anticipated to participate this season despite displaying promise during the preseason. Veteran quarterback Derek Carr starts for the Saints, and veteran Jameis Winston serves as his backup.

Taysom Hill, who has previously played quarterback for the Saints, could also do so on a full-time basis if necessary. Hill's major function is as a versatile athlete who can line up as a tight end, run quarterback-planned plays, and act as the upback on the punt team.

On October 16, the Monday before the Saints' Week 6 matchup against Houston, Haener will be able to rejoin the team's active roster.

After participating in all three of New Orleans' preseason games, Haener, a fourth-round draft pick out of Fresno State, was added to the roster for the regular season. For 395 yards and a touchdown, he completed 38 of his 72 passes (52.8%). Additionally, he was stopped three times.

The banned chemical for which Haener tested positive was not identified in the NFL statement.