Saints QB Taysom Hill (knee) returned to a limited practice on Friday and is listed as questionable for this weekend's game vs. the Bucs. The versatile Hill's absence would be a tangible blow to New Orleans' offense -- but boost the outlooks for QB Drew Brees and RB Alvin Kamara.

Saints QB Taysom Hill arrived to camp “noticeably slimmed down,” per Katherine Terrell of The Athletic. The change was intentional. “I think as a thrower it’s important to have a stronger backside than it is your frontside shoulder, and it’s natural to work your frontside muscles than it is your backside,” Hill said. “I can tell you for me historically when I get sore it’s all your (decelerating) motions from taking so many reps and throwing so many balls. So throughout my career here, I was always trying to find that balance of being strong enough to do what I was going to be asked to do, but still be able to throw a ball and so forth. So there was definitely a transition there.” This is the first time as a pro that he’s exclusively worked at QB, so the change in regimen makes sense. Last year alone, Hill lined up as a QB, RB, WR and TE — plus he held various special teams roles. No clear favorite has emerged as the QB1 in the early portion of training camp.

Here's the word from ESPN's Mike Triplett on the 1st Saints training-camp practice: "Taysom Hill got the first turn of training camp as New Orleans' starting quarterback during Thursday's practice. However, Jameis Winston generated more buzz with an efficient day." Triplett said Winston's rhythm, timing and patience looked better than last summer, which he conceded gave just a "small sample." We'll certainly be watching this QB competition through camp and the preseason.

The Boston Globe's Ben Volin hears from "league sources" that QB Taysom Hill is the favorite to start for the Saints this season. "If the experiment fails, [HC Sean] Payton can fall back on [QB Jameis] Winston and a more traditional pocket-based offense and move Hill back to his Swiss Army Knife role," Volin writes. This is the 1st time all offseason we've heard someone call Hill the favorite in this battle. Multiple Saints beat writers -- plus NFL Network's Ian Rapoport -- have tabbed Winston the starter. We're still leaning in that direction, but this will be 1 of the biggest position battles for fantasy owners to track this summer.

Saints QB Taysom Hill (knee) and RB Latavius Murray (quad) are inactive for tonight's game vs. the Bucs. QB Drew Brees and RB Alvin Kamara will pick up extra snaps.

Saints QB Taysom Hill (knee) missed his 2nd straight practice on Thursday. He banged up a knee early in last weekend's win over the Bears but was able to return. We'll see what he does on Friday and how he's listed on the final injury report for Sunday's game vs. the Bucs.