After losing Taysom Hill, Saints are welcoming back some reinforcements on offense

The New Orleans Saints offense took a big hit with Taysom Hill’s injury, but the offense is close to welcoming back some other key players.

The New Orleans Saints took a big hit in Week 13 when Taysom Hill suffered a season-ending injury. The do-it-all offensive veteran reportedly suffered a torn ACL with additional damage, so his season is over, but people are questioning if his career is as well. Of course, that’ll play itself out; for now, the Saints must focus on the final five games of the year.

Losing Taysom Hill has proven to be a big deal for the New Orleans offense. While he’s an irreplaceable piece, the Saints are close to welcoming back some players that should make a difference for the offense.

On Monday, interim head coach Darren Rizzi announced that the team expects both Erik McCoy and Lucas Patrick to return to the lineup this week against the New York Giants. New Orleans has also opened the practice window for talented running back Kendre Miller. The return of all three should help improve an already productive run game.

Darren Rizzi says Saints expect Erik McCoy and Lucas Patrick to return in Week 14

Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy first injured his groin in Week 3, and that kept him out until Week 11. Unfortunately, he was pulled early from the Week 11 game after re-aggravating the injury, and missed New Orleans’ Week 13 game. Lucas Patrick, on the other hand, last played in Week 9, when he sustained an ankle injury.

Patrick and McCoy are two important starters on the interior offensive line; missing one is pretty tough, but both being out has been a challenge for the Saints. With both guys set to return to the lineup, they should help the run game be even more dominant and consistent.

Kendre Miller, who can now be activated off injured reserve, can also help with that. While he can’t do all the things Taysom Hill can do, the second-year running back can be a productive 1-2 punch with Kamara, similar to the way Hill was.

If all three guys can return to the lineup in their best forms, and stay healthy, New Orleans should be able to finish the final five weeks strong.