The New Orleans Saints' upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came at a rather hefty price, as head coach Sean Payton told reporters on Monday that quarterback Jameis Winston suffered a season-ending knee injury during an illegal horse-collar tackle early in the second quarter.
So, who will replace Winston and serve as the team's starter moving forward? This question has yet to be answered -- Payton is keeping his cards close to the vest. But NFL Network reporter James Palmer believes that the Saints will assign the job to Trevor Siemian, who performed admirably as Winston's fill-in.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he goes out there and plays for a stretch. There are people in this league who really like him," Palmer told The Zach Gelb Show on Tuesday. "Super smart, throws a really catchable ball, receivers have always told me. It's just he's not real big, and injuries have been really tough for him.
"But Sean likes him a lot, and there's actually a lot to like if you keep mixing in those other packages with Taysom Hill. So, maybe they think they're fine. We'll see... I'm going to say it's Trevor Siemian against the Falcons. I haven't heard that yet, but I'm guessing right now that Trevor is the guy."
Siemian, who entered Sunday's game with the score tied 7-7, completed 16 of 29 passes for 159 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. With less than six minutes left in the fourth quarter, trailing by two, the former seventh-round pick helped orchestrate a clutch 12-play, 70-yard drive that resulted in a field goal made by Brian Johnson. It ultimately was the game-winning score.
If Siemian isn't called upon, the Saints could look to dual-threat quarterback Taysom Hill, who won three games as Drew Brees' backup in 2020. However, it's unclear if he'll be available to play this weekend, as he's been sidelined by a concussion since Week 5. During training camp this past summer, Winston beat out Hill for the starting role.
New Orleans (5-2) will host the Atlanta Falcons (3-4) in a Week 9 matchup on Sunday. According to FiveThirtyEight's projections, the Saints currently have a 76-percent chance to reach the playoffs and an 18-percent chance to win the NFC South.
The entire NFL conversation between Palmer and Gelb can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow The Zach Gelb Show on Twitter @ZachGelb and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.