Saints' Taysom Hill preparing to start at QB despite finger injury

New Orleans Saints versatile offensive weapon Taysom Hill may eventually need surgery to repair the injury to the middle finger of his throwing hand he suffered making his first start at quarterback of the season in last Thursday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys that dropped the Saints to 5-7. 

Some have wondered if the club could go back to Trevor Siemian as QB1 for this Sunday's game at the 3-9 New York Jets, but Hill told reporters Wednesday he's planning as if he'll get the nod. 

"This is one of those things where I don’t know how it’s going to respond," Hill explained, according to Luke Johnson of The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate (h/t Pro Football Talk). "I’m just waiting to figure out the best process. What is my effectiveness in doing what I need to do to help us win? That’s just the stage that we’re in." 

Hill continued: 

"I’m trying to find that balance, if I’m being honest. I’ve had conversations with some of the coaches like, 'I’m going out to play; I’m going out to compete; I’m going out to practice at full go this week. If you guys see something to where you feel like I can’t be as effective as I need to be, then I get it, I’m a team guy, I’ll be available to play at whatever capacity that looks like.' But my mindset is to prepare to play."

Hill completed 19-of-41 passes (46.3%) for 264 yards with two touchdowns, four interceptions and a team-high 101 rushing yards on 11 attempts against Dallas. It's unknown if the Saints will consider shutting him down at any point if/when they're eliminated from playoff contention. 

Siemian posted a record of 0-4 starting in place of the injured Jameis Winston until he was replaced by Hill last week.