What the Saints Versatile Weapon’s Return to Active Status Will Bring to New Orleans
New Orleans Saints fans were again disappointed this past Sunday with another consecutive loss and fourth of the season. Hope for this team to have a win continues to dwindle after every missed conversion to a first down and touchdown scored by their opposition. Patience is running out for everyone who was justifying this losing streak as an “adjustment period” after the favorable preseason changes. The players are probably feeling disappointed that their efforts are being criticized during Monday morning podcasts and conversations in meeting rooms.
Watching this team play was a fun experience while Drew Brees was the quarterback because he had enthusiasm which he easily passed onto his teammates. He realized that someday he would retire, but beforehand would need to find another player on whom he could rely to continue his “energy” during the game. Fortunately, that player arrived in 2017 by the name of Taysom Hill who has continued to embody this fan-appreciated characteristic after Brees’ retirement at the conclusion of the 2020 season. Unfortunately that “spirit” has been absent from the team since Hill suffered a season-ending torn ACL during the 2024 Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. There was some certainty that he would remain on the roster for the following season, and fortunately, his contributions were enough to allow him to recover from his injury, recently proving himself fit to play, and be cleared to play in this Sunday’s home game against the New York Giants.
Let’s review why this player, also known as “The Mormon Missile,” has become and is essential to this team. After going undrafted, signing as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers, and then being cut following their three preseason games, Taysom was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Saints. Working alongside the Super Bowl XLIV-winning combo of Brees and head coach Sean Payton, Hill proved to be invaluable due to his ability to play multiple offensive positions. Between his breakout season in 2018 to the conclusion of the 2023 season, Taysom played 97 games as a tight end, wide receiver, and quarterback. In those six years, Hill was able to amass 398 carries for 2,159 rushing yards, 27 rushing touchdowns, 76 receptions for 756 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns. Before his injury in 2024, he played eight games and was able to add 39 carries for 278 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, and 23 receptions for 187 receiving yards.
Regardless of their performance a month into the season, head coach Kellen Moore and his team have fought their opponents for every point they’ve scored. No one expected the Saints to already be dominating their division when you look at the news that was reported throughout the offseason and leading up to the initial preseason game. Among the anticipated updates were those regarding Hill as to when he would be rejoining his teammates on their home turf. Competing relentlessly at limited capacity has shown the league this team’s determination for every yard. Thankfully the patience of the fans has paid off because after a rough start without one of their essential players, the Saints will finally be at their full strength.
