New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has hinted that quarterback Taysom Hill may be in line to start in Week 14 against the New York Jets.
Hill came away from the Saints’ Week 13 home loss to the Dallas Cowboys with a mallet finger injury in his right hand. He suffered this injury in the first quarter when he hit his finger on Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong after throwing a pass. While he went on to finish the remainder of the contest, the four interceptions thrown and the 44.2 passer rating marred his performance.
Hill noted during a press conference on Wednesday that he does not have much pain in his finger but has opted to keep it splinted. And while he has been listed on the Saints' injury report this week, he did feature in all three of their practices ahead of the upcoming matchup with the Jets.
During a press conference on Friday, Payton touched on Hill’s notable injury, where he provided his perspective on if he is content with where the quarterback is at heading into Week 14.
“Yeah, look, if I wasn't, I wouldn't be playing him,” Payton said. “You know, we're going to have to throw the ball, mix in the run, all of those things. I think he's had a good week (of practice).”
Payton also added that Hill was “really sharp” during practice on Friday.
Barring any last-minute changes, it may seem that Hill will earn the start for New Orleans this week against the Jets. Hill and company will look to snap their five-game losing streak, which has seen them fall out of the playoff picture in the NFC.