NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport is reporting on Sunday morning that the New Orleans Saints will be without versatile weapon Taysom Hill when they take on the Carolina Panthers this afternoon. Hill is dealing with a significant foot injury and a less serious left hand issue that caused him to miss practice all week.
Taysom Hill has 346 rushing yards and a team-high four rushing scores this season. Hill also has 26 receptions for 229 yards and a touchdown and has completed five of eight passes for 72 yards and another touchdown. His incredible versatility and running ability creates mismatches for defenses anywhere he lines up for New Orleans.
It's a huge loss for the 5-7 Saints, who will already be without several key players on both sides of the ball. Rapoport also reports that WR Rashid Shaheed (thigh) will not play today. This is no surprise, given the nature of Shaheed's injury and the fact that he also missed practice all week.
New Orleans will also be without WR Michael Thomas (injured reserve-knee) and RB Kendre Miller (ankle). Quarterback Derek Carr passed all concussion protocols and will start against the Panthers. After missing practice on Thursday and Friday with the flu, WR Chris Olave is expected to play today, according to Rapoport.
Defensively, the Saints will be without CB Marshon Lattimore, S Marcus Maye, and DT Malcolm Roach, all on injured reserve. Linebacker Pete Werner (shoulder) is considered a game-time decision, but DE Isaiah Foskey (quad) was ruled out on Friday.
Future Hall of Fame DE Cam Jordan is dealing with a severe ankle injury. Rapoport reports that Jordan is expected to play against Carolina. Jordan played last week against Detroit in spite of the injury, but appeared on just 17 snaps.
John Hendrix of the Saints News Network will release the full inactive report for New Orleans later this morning. Also, tune in for the Bayou Blitz Pre-Game show at 10:30 Central Time.
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