Team news: Tennessee Titans | Page 20

The New Orleans Saints are expected to start QB Trevor Siemian Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Saints HC Sean Payton confirmed Friday afternoon that Siemian would start while Taysom Hill plays.

Related Player: Taysom Hill

Hill returned from a concussion this past week and probably needs more reps before playing a full game. That said, expect Hill to show up as a receiver/rusher at times Sunday.

Saints QB Taysom Hill (concussion) practiced Wednesday ahead of Week 9's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Related Player: Trevor Siemian

Siemian may have surprised and excelled in spot work Week 8, but Hill gives the Saints the best chance to win Week 9.

Sean Payton on Taysom Hill: "He's progressing well. He's on schedule."

Related players: Trevor Siemian, Jameis Winston, Alvin Kamara

We'll assume Payton means Hill is on schedule to pass protocol and also assume if that's the case, Hill will start for the Saints with Winston now done for the season. There are a lot of ifs here, and if Hill has a setback or isn't on schedule to play in Week 9, Siemian will likely get the nod. We'll continue to monitor but at least for now, Hill looks to be the assumed starter once he's cleared. As we know from the past, Hill under center potentially means big downgrades for those around him thanks to his rushing ability, perhaps especially Kamara.

Taysom Hill was 3-1 as a replacement for Drew Brees last season and finished runner-up to Winston in an open competition for the job over the summer.

Unfortunately, Hill has been sidelined since Week 5 with a concussion. But assuming he returns to practice in the next week or two, he's the most likely long-term option for New Orleans.

Related players: Jameis Winston, Trevor Siemian

Hill is still recovering from a concussion and his status for Week 9 is not certain. We did have a report earlier Monday that said Hill is expected to practice this week but will still need to be cleared. If Hill can't go, Siemian likely gets the start against the Falcons.

QB Jameis Winston does, in fact, have a torn ACL, source said after the MRI. He is out for the season. There is also damage to the MCL.

Related players: Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian

This was expected all along after Winston went down on Sunday against the Bucs. Reports on Monday say Hill is expected to return to the team in Week 9 after dealing with a concussion. One would think Hill takes over as the starter but Siemian played well filling in for Winston and leading the Saints to a win. We'll know more as the week goes on. Fortunately, the Saints play an early game in Week 9 at home against the Falcons.

The Saints have Taysom Hill, who has missed multiple games with a concussion. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Hill is expected to return to action next weekend, against the Falcons. They also have Trevor Siemian, who played well enough to beat Tom Brady today, and Ian Book.

Related players: Jameis Winston, Alvin Kamara

The story was mainly about whether or not the Saints would consider calling Cam Newton with Winston likely out for the year. The key thing to take away for now is Hill is expected to return next week, and at the moment seems like the logical choice to start at QB. Kamara owners should take note. Kamara's had a huge workload over the last few weeks and Hill, in the past, has dipped into that.

Saints QB Jameis Winston was helped off the field after taking an awkward fall against the Buccaneers.

Trevor Siemian is now in at quarterback. Winston was 6/10 for 56 yards and a touchdown before exiting. Hopefully it’s not too bad of an injury. It will be interesting to see the offense under Siemian. Taysom Hill is inactive today.

Falcons WR Calvin Ridley announced Sunday he is stepping away from the team to focus on his mental health and wellbeing.

Ridley was inactive for Sunday against the Panthers and later took to Twitter to make his announcement. He wants to take time away to help get himself into a better person and in a better mindset and we wish him the absolute best of luck in doing so. It’s incredibly important to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (hip) is questionable for Week 8 against the New England Patriots.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Justin Jackson, Larry Rountree III

Ekeler was added to the injury report Thursday and has not practiced the past two days. Have another option ready - Chargers RB or other - ready for a late afternoon swap.