The Saints haven't tipped their hand on any leanings in the quarterback battle between Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill, but an answer appears to be just days away.
Sean Payton said he is hopeful to name the starting QB before the final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 28, according to a report from NBC's Peter King, who spoke with the Saints coach at the team's practice Friday in the Caesars Superdome.
Despite that unofficial timeline, don't be surprised if the team takes longer to come to a final decision or waits to announce what they've decided. Either way, the final preseason game will give a hint, based on who starts or doesn't play at all.
The Saints get back in the Dome Monday night for a pivotally important game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, particularly when it comes to the QB battle. Winston will start this time, in week 2 of the NFL preseason. It's unclear how long each quarterback will play, but the end will be marked by the entrance of Trevor Siemian, not Ian Book.
Related
The veteran will get snaps in the game after not playing against the Ravens, and the rookie will see the field if there's enough snaps to go around, Payton said Saturday.
Before that, Winston and Hill will have a chance to put their stamp on the QB battle with a strong performance against Jacksonville. Both players led solid drives but had interceptions against the Ravens.
The timetable, if the Saints stick to it, would allow the team to enter its final preseason game without mystery at the QB position for the first time in months. With a game against the Cardinals followed by an open week, the Saints would have a chance to focus on whomever the new starter is. That would be particularly important if Winston wins the job, which would likely result in Hill being reincorporated in his do-it-all role.
Related
In previous camps he'd have been involved in meetings and reps at multiple positions, but this time around he's focused solely on quarterback, even slimming down over the offseason.
However it all plays out, Monday night will be a critical day in the QB race.