Saints Quarterback Returns to Practice

The New Orleans Saints got back on the right track in Week 5 with a 39-32 win over the Seattle Seahawks, and they could have a chance to build on that momentum in Week 6. Quarterback Jameis Winston returned to practice Wednesday after missing the previous two weeks with a variety of injuries.

Jameis Winston was back at practice. We'll see how that progresses throughout the week.

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) October 12, 2022

Winston has been suffering through back and ankle injuries dating back to the team's Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He played hurt in the team's next two games to middling results, throwing five interceptions and taking 11 sacks in his three starts.

In Winston's absence, the Saints have turned to backup quarterback Andy Dalton and increased touches for jack-of-all-trades Taysom Hill. The offense has come alive over the past two weeks, scoring 39 points in a win against the Seahawks and 25 points in a narrow loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Consequently, the Saints aren't too eager to rush Winston back before he's ready.

TAYSOM HILL TAKES IT TO THE HOUSE!!!!!! ⚜️

the 3rd rushing TD of the day for Hill #SEAvsNO ⚜️ 📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/VoS0SGgKgi

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 9, 2022

Winston joined the Saints in 2020 following a four-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former first-overall pick took over starting duties in 2021 and led the Saints to an impressive 5-2 start before an ACL tear cost him the remainder of the season. 

Famously mistake-prone, Winston has tossed 38 interceptions and fumbled 17 times over his past 30 appearances. The Saints don't want to risk lingering discomfort exacerbating his bad habits and getting the team in an insurmountable early season hole. They'll roll with Dalton and Hill until they're confident they can consistently get the best version of Winston. 

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