Taysom Hill is trying to figure out new grip before Jets game

New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill practiced on Wednesday, but he did so with a noticeable splint on his middle finger.

Reporters flocked to see how Hill was holding up during a practice open to local media on Wednesday.

Hill could move on the ground reasonably well, given his partially torn plantar fascia, and he also managed to throw tight spirals with accuracy.

If Hill looks comfortable, it’s because he’s been trying to make adjustments to his game and learn how to most effectively play with a finger splint.

Hill told Katherine Terrell of The Athletic:

"“I felt OK throwing the ball today. I think that will be, again, a work in progress throughout this week to see what my effectiveness is. As far as what I do as far as the splint, tape, all that, we’ve tried a handful of different things already. We’ll continue to try other things and figure out what works best.”"

New Orleans Saints QB Taysom Hill is learning how to play with finger splint

Hill was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, but coach Sean Payton has yet to confirm Hill as the starter for Week 14’s matchup against the New York Jets.

How well and how quickly Hill can adapt to a new way of throwing the football will be at the forefront of the quarterback discussion. Payton has two perfectly healthy players in Trevor Siemian and Ian Book, and there’s only three more days before the game.

The team is eager to break its five-game losing streak, especially against one of the worst defenses in the league, but New Orleans need a decent arm to rely on.

Hill made some spectacular running plays in Week 13’s loss to the Cowboys, but his passing attack left much to be desired.

If Hill is declared as the starter for Sunday, expect Payton and others to have put full faith in Hill’s abilities to lead the Saints to victory.