The New Orleans Saints have lost four consecutive games and fallen to 5-6 on the campaign with backup quarterback Trevor Siemian filling in for Jameis Winston, who went down with a season-ending injury back on Halloween.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t Kevin Patra), though, versatile offensive weapon Taysom Hill is receiving first-team practice reps and is on track to start when the Saints host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night.
Hill has missed time this season because of a concussion and, more recently, a foot injury, but Siemian apparently played himself out of the lineup with his poor performance during the 31-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving night. Siemian completed 17-of-29 passes for 163 yards with a touchdown and an interception in that defeat.
Hill, meanwhile, has completed seven of eight attempts for 56 yards and an interception this season. He recently came to terms on a unique four-year contract extension that reportedly includes $22.5 million guaranteed, a base salary of $40 million, and add-ons that could be worth $55 million if he wins the starting signal-caller job.
The 31-year-old can begin earning massive future paydays by cementing himself atop New Orleans' depth chart on Thursday night.
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