New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston. Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston tore his ACL during Week 8 of the 2021 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has continued to make significant progress towards returning for Week 1 of the 2022 season.

ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler on Wednesday reported that Winston recently began planting and throwing off of his surgically-repaired left ACL while running play-action.

This is good news for the Saints, who re-signed Winston to a two-year deal this offseason to be the team’s starter.

Winston proved to be a serviceable heir to Drew Brees before his knee injury. In seven games last season, the 28-year-old threw for 1,170 yards, 14 touchdown passes and just three interceptions.

If Winston experiences a setback, the Saints can turn to Andy Dalton, another veteran the team signed this offseason.

With a stacked wide receiver group featuring Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry and rookie Chris Olave, Winston is poised for a big comeback season.

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