Hill the favorite to start for Saints?

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 TE Taysom Hill (foot, left hand) is not listed on the final Week 15 injury report. He’ll be back for Sunday’s game vs. the Giants after putting in a full practice on Friday. Hill remains a high-upside option in fantasy leagues where he’s TE-eligible.

Saints TE Taysom Hill (foot, left hand) returned to a limited practice on Wednesday. That gives him a chance to play vs. the Giants this weekend after missing last week's game. We'll keep you updated on Hill's status over the next few days.

Saints TE Taysom Hill (foot, left hand) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Panthers. He leaves behind an average of 5.8 carries and 2.8 targets per game. RB Alvin Kamara gets the biggest projection boost with Hill out.

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms that Saints TE Taysom Hill (foot, left hand) is not expected to play vs. the Panthers today. He's averaged 5.8 carries and 2.8 targets per game this season and is tied for the team lead with seven carries inside the five-yard line. Hill's absence today is particularly good news for RB Alvin Kamara's TD projection. TE Juwan Johnson (quad) is expected to play today, per Schefter, but remains a desperation fantasy option.

Asked whether Taysom Hill will play Sunday against the Panthers, Saints beat writer Nick Underhill said, "I'd be surprised but we'll see." Hill's officially questionable with foot and hand injuries, but you should plan as though he's not playing against Carolina. That can only help TE Juwan Johnson's playing time and the goal-line opportunities for New Orleans RBs. We'll confirm Hill's status Sunday morning.