Taysom Hill – Saints QB – Fantasy Football

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• Hill rushed twice for 16 yards during Sunday’s 26-7 loss to Carolina.

  Jameis Winston and the Saints offense came crashing back to Earth after an explosive Week 1 blowout of Green Bay. However, Hill seemed to provide a small spark when given a couple of chances. It will be interesting to see if he becomes more involved going forward should Winston’s struggles persist.

• Hill completed his only pass for three yards while rushing twice for one yard during Sunday’s 38-3 win over the Packers.

  Jameis Winston handled the vast majority of playing time while Hill mixed in sporadically, converting two third downs before getting stuffed at the goal line on a designed run. While he was largely effective within his gadget role in reality, Hill didn’t see nearly enough playing time to even warrant consideration in two-quarterback fantasy leagues. Given the success of Winston in the season opener, it seems unlikely that will change anytime soon.

• Coach Sean Payton said Monday that Hill won’t be the Saints’ primary backup quarterback on gamedays due to his other offensive roles and work on special teams, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

  One of rookie fourth-round pick Ian Book and Trevor Siemian will instead handle backup duties week-to-week behind Jameis Winston, allowing Payton to utilize Hill freely in the versatile role. Hill is still clearly New Orleans’ No. 2 quarterback and will take over starting duties the following week should Winston suffer an injury, but he won’t be the in-game replacement in that situation.

• The Saints will kick off Week 1 against the Packers with Jameis Winston starting under center, leaving Hill to handle backup duties, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

  Coach Sean Payton took his time evaluating all options before officially naming a No. 1 quarterback. Although Hill threw for 138 yards and a touchdown in Monday night’s preseason win over the Jaguars while operating with the second unit, Winston was able to lock up the top gig after compiling 123 yards and two touchdowns while working with the starters. Hill will kick off the regular season operating as Winston’s primary backup, though he could also still take the field in his usual capacity as a gadget player. With Adam Trautman (anke) and Nick Vannett (knee) both nursing multi-week injuries, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, Hill could end up handling increased work at tight end.

• Hill completed 11 of 20 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown in Monday night’s 23-21 preseason win over the Jaguars.

  Hill entered the game after Jameis Winston impressed with the starters, the latter of whom completed nine of 10 attempts for 123 yards and two scores. Although Hill was able to toss a touchdown of his own, hitting Lil’Jordan Humphrey on a 14-yard fade in the third quarter, Winston’s performance may have been enough to close New Orleans’ quarterback competition ahead of Week 1. Coach Sean Payton reportedly hopes to name his starter prior to Saturday’s exhibition finale versus the Cardinals, so Hill’s role for the regular season could be known sooner than later.