New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener has been diagnosed with a non-threatening form of skin cancer, the 25-year-old announced on Friday.
Speaking to reporters at training camp on Friday, the New Orleans Saints sophomore signal-caller revealed that he was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer that is rarely found in his age group, per ESPN’s Katherine Terrell:
“It’s not going be like a life-threatening thing right now. I have to get a different procedure done on my face. So we’re just trying to take the necessary steps in order to see how long I can wait until I have to get that procedure done.”
Haener had a biopsy prior to Saints training camp after noticing what he described as an “odd-looking bump” on his face, per Terrell. The biopsy determined that Haener’s bump was cancerous.
The New Orleans Saints backup quarterback didn’t specify what form of skin cancer but emphasized that there’s no cause for concern.
“I feel like I’m pretty young and healthy to be able to have something like that pop up,” Haener added, via Terrell. “But I want to take care of it and be responsible about it, obviously not make it a distraction because I’m going to be fine, everything’s going to be taken care of.”
Haener was drafted in the fourth round (127th overall) by the Saints last year after flourishing a Fresno State. In his final year of college, the ex-Bulldog completed 72.0 percent of pass attempts for 2,896 yards and 20 touchdowns against three interceptions and two rushing touchdowns.
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Haener didn’t see any playing time for the New Orleans Saints during his rookie year. Derek Carr started all 17 games but had to leave several contests because of injuries, so backup Jameis Winston had to take over.
Carr is the starting quarterback for New Orleans heading into 2024. Haener, rookie Spencer Rattler (the No. 150 selection) and do-it-all utility man Taysom Hill are the other three QBS listed on the team’s depth chart.
Our thoughts are with Jake Haener and his family right now. Here’s hoping that his treatment and recovery will be fast and smooth.
New Orleans Saints Open Season vs. Carolina Panthers
The Saints will look to jump out to a 1-0 for the sixth straight year when they welcome the NFC South rival Carolina Panthers to the Caesars Superdome on Sept. 8. New Orleans swept the 2023 season series against Carolina, who finished as football’s worst team in 2023 with a 2-15 record.
