The New Orleans Saints’ version of a Swiss army knife’s kryptonite may be his own body. What happened to Taysom Hill, and why isn’t he playing in Week 16 when the Saints visit the Green Bay Packers?
Will Taysom Hill Return in 2024?
Hill suffered a torn left ACL in New Orleans’ Week 13 loss against the Los Angeles Rams and was quickly placed on injured reserve.
The injury came on a 4th-and-1 carry, with a defender sliding into Hill in an attempt to make the crucial stop. Hill moved the chains but ended his season in the process.
It is always nice when a player’s intensity and passion resonate with the fan base. That is the case with Hill in New Orleans, where he’s emerged as a cult hero due to his versatility and toughness.
“Words can’t express how thankful I am for the Saints fan base and the way they have embraced me and my family,” Hill wrote after the injury. “Sunday against the Rams was an emotional day, but there was no greater emotion felt than when I heard our fan base cheer as I left the field. Who Dat Nation is really one of a kid in the best way possible and I thank you!”
At 34 years old, Hill’s Week 13 exit had many fearing that they’d watched the offensive weapon for the final time. However, all signs indicate Hill will attempt to return to the playing field, presumably with New Orleans.
“I will be having surgery to repair my damaged knee and step on the road to recovery,” Hill said. “I am confident that through the help of an incredible medical staff I will make a full recovery.”
The eight games he played this year will mark his fewest in any season since his five-game rookie campaign in 2017. He first missed time with injuries to his midsection early in 2024, with his Week 4 exit preceding a three-game absence.
What’s Next for the Saints?
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi taking over for the Saints unleashed Hill in the form of 15 touches, 188 yards, and three touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns. Hill is listed as a tight end, but he has lined up at quarterback, halfback, fullback, tight end, gunner, and returner on special teams. As a special teams coach, Rizzi knows up close and personal the kind of athleticism that Hill possesses.
Hill’s injury weakens the quarterback room, too. With Derek Carr injured, Jake Haener was given the keys to the offense, only to lose them to Spencer Rattler in the second half of an eventual loss to the Washington Commanders.
Losing Hill means being without a cheat code of sorts. He has moonlighted at quarterback in brief stints before, and with Carr out for Week 16, could have figured into the conversation for what looks like a run-heavy affair.
There is optimism that with a clean slate of health and a few wise acquisitions, New Orleans could build on the flashes it showed at the start of the season. Getting Hill back would be a nice boost to that operation.