The New Orleans Saints quarterbacks room is in an odd spot. Derek Carr is managing an injured throwing shoulder, and rookie backup Jake Haener is in the middle of a six-game suspension to start the season — and they just brought back Jake Luton to round out the depth chart. But between the issues in pass protection and Taysom Hill’s mobility as a runner, it might have made sense to consider starting him instead of Jameis Winston on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
However, that isn’t a route Dennis Allen is interested in taking. The Saints head coach shot down that idea after it was brought up during his Wednesday media availability session after practice, clearly outlining a plan for Winston to start this week if Carr can’t go.
Buy Saints TicketsAllen said there was “no consideration” of starting Hill at quarterback instead of Winston, but he clarified that the team won’t rule Carr out until they have to. He’ll be evaluated daily after spraining the AC joint in his right shoulder. If his body responds well to treatment and he’s able to perform at a high level, there’s a chance he could play after all.
But if Winston does get the nod to start, Allen added, plenty of other players must step up. He described that scenario as “a total team effort.”
So who will it be on Sunday? It’s too soon to say, based off the team’s words, but their actions suggest it will be Winston. They didn’t sign Luton to the 53-man roster (where, NFL rules dictate, he must stay for the next three games) for nothing. All signs point to Winston leading the offense out of the tunnel this week against his old Buccaneers team. Maybe the third time’s the charm as he seeks his first real win against them.
