Taysom Hill has one of the most unique skill sets of any player in the NFL. While the New Orleans Saints list him as a tight end on their depth chart, he has been a jack-of-all-trades during his NFL career due to his ability to pass, catch, and run the football.
Unfortunately for the Saints, Hill went down with a torn ACL in a week 13 game against the Los Angeles Rams last season. However, the Saints have just received positive news for a potential Hill return.
Taysom Hill Nearing a Return to the Field
“The Saints are designating Taysom Hill to return from the PUP list,” said Ari Meirov, reporter for the 33rd Team and host of NFL Spotlight.
The designation opens a 21-day window for the Saints to activate Hill to the active roster. If he is not activated by the end of that window, he will be out for the remainder of the season.
The #Saints are designating Taysom Hill to return from the PUP list. pic.twitter.com/zpTqvRrKmw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 29, 2025
Hill’s return could not come at a better time for a struggling New Orleans offense that could certainly use a spark. The Saints sit at 0-4 to start the season and are in 4th place in the NFC South. Their 16.5 points per game are the fourth fewest in the NFL, ahead of only the Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans.
For his career, Hill has carried the ball 437 times for 2,437 yards and 33 touchdowns, while chipping in 99 receptions for 943 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has also completed 63.9 % of his passes for 2,369 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
How Will Hill’s Return Impact the New Orleans Offense?
Due to his versatility, the 35-year-old gives New Orleans a dynamic weapon, particularly on third downs and in the red zone. Once he returns, he figures to take some red-zone carries away from Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller, while taking snaps in short yardage away from Spencer Rattler as the quarterback.
When outside of specialized scenarios, Hill and Juwan Johnson figure to take the majority of reps at tight end, although Foster Moreau is also nearing a return at the tight end position.
After signing a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension in the 2025 offseason, Johnson has been a favorite target for New Orleans early in the season. His 31 targets and 22 receptions are second on the team, behind only Chris Olave, while his 204 yards receiving are good for the most on the roster.
The money and target share suggest Hill’s return should not significantly impact Johnson’s role. However, his overall numbers could decrease slightly as the Saints add another weapon to the offense and potentially enter more two-tight-end sets.
Hill’s status will be worth monitoring as Kellen Moore and the Saints look to dig themselves out of an early hole in the NFC South standings.
