New Orleans Saints TE Taysom Hill was fully enjoying the 2024 NFL season. In just two weeks, Hill had tallied 53 yards, 2 passes, and played 14 snaps on special teams. However, he was replaced due to a lung injury against the Cowboys. Although he has participated in practice, he will not be playing in any games.

The Saints HC Dennis Allen announced it, “ “He’s great. He’ll be listed as questionable on the injury report and we’ll see how he does over the next couple of days.” Adding Taysom Hill is important to the team and will be back as soon as he recovers.

The 34-year-old was taken to a hospital in Dallas before traveling back to New Orleans on the team plane and was “feeling good,” according to coach Allen on Monday. The coach reassured fans that Hill’s injury was “not overly serious” and would be monitored throughout the week.

Without Hill in the lineup, the Saints will have to rely more on Adam Prentice, Foster Moreau, and Juwan Johnson to handle blocking duties for the running game against the Eagles. However, no one can truly replace Captain Hill. He has shown versatility after coach Dennis Allen moved him to tight end in 2022 before switching him back to quarterback in 2023. 

So it is obvious that Taysom Hill’s absence will affect the game. But to what extent the team will be affected by it?

The effect of Taysom Hill’s absence on the Saints’ performance

Taysom Hill had an amazing 2023 season with 81 carries for 401 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns. His career’s highest receiving, with 33 receptions for 291 yards and two touchdowns, played a key role in the Saints’ victories. Which led to very high expectations from him for the 2024 regular season. 

The tight ends coach Clancy Barone mentioned he wasn’t sure if Hill would spend most of the season in the tight ends room, and would be switched depending on the need. Saints’ coordinator Kubiak also praised the WR, “Taysom has been phenomenal here early.”  Further adding “We’ve been kind of moving him in a lot of spots, as he’s done his entire career, really intelligent guy.” That explains Hill is undoubtedly a key part of the team, and while there’s still uncertainty about how they will fill his role, we’ll have to wait and see how the Saints adapt.

Watch Thinktank Exclusive to learn how Doug Sanders builds authentic brands and his plans for NFL star branding.