Taysom Hill Carted Off in Saints’ Loss to Rams, MRI Scheduled for Knee Injury
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints suffered a tough blow on Sunday as their versatile tight end, Taysom Hill, was carted off the field during a 21-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Hill, who has already battled multiple injuries this season, hurt his knee late in the game, marking the third time he’s been forced to leave a game due to injury this year.
According to sources who spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Saints believe Hill may have suffered a ligament injury. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the full extent of the damage. A source close to the situation didn’t mince words, saying, “It doesn’t look great.”
How It Happened
The injury occurred as Hill was running for a first down late in the game. He appeared to take a helmet to his left knee, which bent awkwardly as he hit the ground. The scene was a somber one, as Hill remained on the turf while athletic trainers rushed to his side. Teammates and even several Rams players knelt on the field in concern as trainers examined Hill’s leg.
Eventually, a cart was called to take Hill off the field. As he was driven away, the crowd at the Caesars Superdome erupted into chants of his name. Hill acknowledged the fans with a wave, a moment that resonated with his teammates.
“I love how our fans treated him,” said Saints quarterback Derek Carr. “I would expect nothing less from our fans.”
Team Reaction
After the game, Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi addressed the media but didn’t have much of an update on Hill’s condition. “Taysom goes down, a lot of the guys are disappointed,” Rizzi said. “He’s obviously a very respected and well-liked guy in our locker room.”
Unfortunately for the Saints, Hill wasn’t the only player to leave the game due to injury. Starting guard Nick Saldiveri was also carted off, and safety Tyrann Mathieu exited with a shoulder injury. Rizzi confirmed that Saldiveri is undergoing tests as well.
Hill’s Impact and Injury History
Before his injury, Hill was once again proving why he’s such a valuable piece of the Saints’ offense. He led the team with five catches for 37 yards and also carried the ball five times for 10 yards. His ability to contribute in multiple ways has made him a fan favorite and a key part of the team’s game plan.
However, this season has been a brutal one for Hill. He left a Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys and was transported to a local hospital. After missing the next game, he returned to play a half against the Atlanta Falcons before leaving again. That injury sidelined him for three more games before he made his return in Week 8.
In addition to Sunday’s knee injury, Hill has been playing through a reported bruised lung and cracked ribs this season. His toughness and willingness to play through pain have only added to his reputation as one of the league’s most versatile and resilient players.
What’s Next for the Saints?
With Hill’s status uncertain, the Saints will have to prepare for the possibility of being without one of their most dynamic playmakers. The team is already dealing with a slew of injuries, and losing Hill for an extended period would be a significant setback.
Here’s a quick recap of the Saints’ injury woes from Sunday’s game:
- Taysom Hill: Knee injury, MRI scheduled for Monday.
- Nick Saldiveri: Carted off, undergoing tests.
- Tyrann Mathieu: Shoulder injury, status unknown.
As the Saints await the results of Hill’s MRI, fans and teammates alike will be hoping for the best. Hill’s contributions on the field and his leadership in the locker room make him an irreplaceable part of the team. For now, all eyes are on Monday’s test results and what they might mean for the rest of the Saints’ season.
Originally Written by: Mike Triplett
