Taysom Hill Expected To Start At QB For Saints Amid Brees' Injuries: Report

Taysom Hill is reportedly expected to start at quarterback for the New Orleans Saints against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in the absence of injured starter Drew Brees.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Hill received starting reps in practice this week, despite Jameis Winston taking the majority of reps for the Saints the second half of last week's victory against the San Francisco 49ers after Brees exited the game.

"Intriguing in New Orleans: The #Saints have given QB Taysom Hill starter reps in practice this week, source said," Rapoport tweeted. "So while Jameis Winston took over for injured Drew Brees last week, signs are pointing towards Hill getting his first NFL start at QB if all checks out after practice."

Hill has seen sporadic action during his four seasons with the Saints, mostly taking reps as a read-option quarterback, while also contributing as a running back, wide receiver, tight end, fullback and special teams specialist. The former BYU standout has thrown for 255 yards on 11-of-20 passing during his NFL career and recorded 596 yards (5.7 yards per carry) and four touchdowns on 105 rushing attempts.

Hill took seven snaps during last Sunday's win against San Francisco, recording 31 yards on five rushing attempts, while also losing a fumble on his last carry and taking one sack.

Brees reportedly sustained "at least five broken ribs and a collapsed lung" after taking a hard hit from 49ers defensive tackle Kentavius Street during the second quarter of Sunday's win, which resulted in a roughing-the-passer penalty that gave New Orleans a first down inside the red zone.

On Monday, sources told Rapoport and NFL Network colleague Tom Pelissero the Saints were preparing for the former Super Bowl MVP to "miss some time" while he makes a full recovery. Hours later, Brees shared a photo of himself on Instagram blowing into a spirometer -- which measures the air going in and out of the lungs -- surrounded by his three children with the caption, "Who Dat Nation: I’ve got the best medical team in the world...will be back in no time!"

The veteran remained in the game after the hit, but Hill took over at quarterback while Brees lined up at wide receiver. Hill stayed in shotgun formation for the next play and Brees left the field to throw passes on the sideline with a staffer, NOLA.com reports.

Brees re-entered the game on the next play and handed the ball off to running back Alvin Kamara for a touchdown. He once again returned to the field to lead the Saints on a two-minute drill before halftime, completing 5 of 6 passes, including a touchdown to Kamara.

However, Winston took over in the third quarter after Brees realized he'd be unable to return while going through warmups. Head coach Sean Payton said Brees' injury on Sunday was "probably going to be the first time in 15 years that it was significant enough like he felt like he couldn't function in the second half," NOLA.com reports.

Brees said he felt cramping/stiffening "was a good way to put it," and believed it was "probably not just one" rib. The veteran quarterback also dealt with a right shoulder injury prior to Sunday's game, which he confirmed he was dealing with earlier in the week, NOLA.com reports.

Brees was initially listed on the Saints' injury report for a right shoulder ailment on November 4 and limited in practices since, including all three leading up to the game against San Francisco last week. Last season, Brees missed five games due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb.

Winston, a former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick in 2015, completed 6 of 10 passes for 63 yards in Brees' absence on Sunday.

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