With Drew Brees missing at least the next couple weeks because of several fractured ribs and a punctured lung suffered over the last two weeks, it seemed obvious the Saints would turn to backup Jameis Winston this week to be their starter.
That’s not the case, though. Do-it-all talent Taysom Hill is starting for New Orleans on Sunday against the Falcons. And according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the decision for coach Sean Payton came down to one main thing: He wants to know if the Saints have a quarterback of the future.
“Sean just wants to know,” a source told Rapoport.
From @NFLGameDay: The #Saints will begin to find out today if Taysom Hill is their QB of the future. Article: https://t.co/rMsx7qEooc and video 👇🏻 👇🏻 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/YI4aDBdKl2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2020
Brees, 41, isn’t getting any younger. He was placed on injured reserve Friday and is eligible to be reinstated Week 14.
Hill has done it all for the Saints whenever he’s on the field. This season, he has only attempted five passes, completing four for 86 yards.
But the 30-year-old also has 186 rushing yards and six catches so far this year, with two total touchdowns. Hill received a two-year deal from New Orleans this offseason, so Sunday — and however long he starts — will be a measuring stick if Hill can be the guy for the Saints after Brees hangs it up.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.