Jake Haener versus Spencer Rattler was the biggest battle heading into New Orleans Saints training camp, and it has remained closely contested the entire time.

With Derek Carr sitting out the preseason finale, the stage is set for Haener and Rattler to decide who will start the season second on the depth chart. For the first time this preseason, both quarterback will get an equal amount of time.

Who comes out with the starting unit will tell a story of who is ahead at the beginning of the game. The Saints could play both quarterbacks early, but each guy getting their own half is the most likely strategy the Saints will deploy.

With this strategy, the first quarterback on the field gets reps with other players higher on the depth chart. One could equate this to being higher in the pecking order. That's just a sign of the order going into the game. This battle is still up in the air.

One thing that isn't typically discussed is this preseason isn't the end of the battle between Haener and Rattler. In 2024, this battle is for Carr's understudy. However, this battle long-term is for who has the best chance to be the Saints future franchise quarterback.

Winning the battle puts you closer to starting this year. This time next year we very well could see Haener and Rattler going at it again.

More!

14 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 14

Saints to sit Derek Carr and 'a significant number of starters' vs. Titans

Payton Turner's toe injury flared up again at Saints practice this week

Cowboys will play Saints in Week 2 without one of their best defenders

Tyrann Mathieu calls Taysom Hill one of the best football players he's shared the field with

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints' Jake Haener vs. Spencer Rattler battle takes center stage vs. Titans