Taysom Hill made a surpising Week 5 debut in the New Orleans Saints 26-14 victory over the New York Giants. Hill suffered a torn ACL injury, along with additional damage to his knee, last season in the Saints' Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Hill was activated from the Reserve/PUP list at the beginning of the practice week. Many didn't expect him to play immediately after being activated, as the general belief was that the team would take the cautious approach and ease him back into the lineup over time. Apparently all it took was a week of practice for Hill to get acclimated enough to play.
Hill's comeback marked a significant milestone in his recovery, highlighting his determination and work ethic. Fans were thrilled to see one of their favorites back on the field, erupting in cheers when he appeared on the screen during pregame warmups.
Hill shakes off the rust in in his return from injury
The Saints managed Hill's workload, as he only played in eight total snaps. One thing that stood out was he was a featured part of nearly every snap he took. Hill finished the day with 6 carries for -1 yard and one pass completion for 19 yards. That's seven touches on eight snaps.
Kellen Moore used Hill in a very familiar way. QB power is still a part of the offense and was Hill's go to play. It didn't have the same level of success, but we'll accredit that to rust. The decision to have Hill throw the football was a nice touch, as no one saw that coming. That includes the defense, as Juwan Johnson was wide open.
While it wasn't the the strongest statistical outing, some rust was expected after such a long absence. Hill is also in the process of learning a brand new offensive scheme, which will take time to adjust to. As his reps gradually increase, he will become a key contributor as the season moves forward.
The Saints are ecstatic to have him back in the offense that has struggled to put the ball in the end zone this season. They plan on using him as a versatile gadget player, expecting him to play tight end and contribute in the running and passing games as well as on special teams. With his unique skill set, the Saints hope that he can provide a much needed spark and add a new dimension to their offense moving forward.