Nine months of shared rehab sessions, relentless recovery work, and uncertainty led to a defining moment last Sunday when Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau walked to midfield together at the Caesars Superdome.
Chosen to lead the Saints’ “Who Dat” chant, the two veterans stood side-by-side, marking their return from serious knee injuries. For a New Orleans team that opened the season 0-4, the crowd’s eruption captured something more than tradition; it symbolized resilience.
Both players had been sidelined since late last season, and their reappearance offered a spark the Saints sorely needed.
Their effort in the 26-14 win over the New York Giants was modest by design, but Saints coach Kellen Moore said the plan is for both to take on bigger roles as they regain rhythm before Sunday’s home matchup against the New England Patriots.
Hill and Moreau’s return fuels Saints’ momentum ahead of Patriots game
Coach Moore praised their effort, noting that “the more time on task, the more we'll be able to build those roles for those guys.”
Hill logged 11 total snaps, nine on offense and two on special teams, while Moreau appeared in 30, including 22 offensive plays, according to Tru Media. Hill converted two key third downs, one with a 2-yard run and another with a 19-yard pass to Juwan Johnson.
“Everyone’s still learning through this process,” Hill said. “I’ve had three days of practice with this coaching staff, and they’ve had three days with me.” Rashid Shaheed called their return “insane,” adding that it showed “how much heart and how much courage they have.”
Their recovery stories run deep. Hill had not played since being carted off against the Rams on Dec. 2, 2024, while Moreau was injured in the final minutes of the season on Jan. 5, 2025. For Moreau, rehab meant eight and a half months of near-daily work.
“Rehab is just pain dosing,” he said. “It’s brutal for anyone.”
The two, often jokingly referring to each other as “PUP brothers,” began training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Hill admitted doctors once doubted he could play in 2025, but his determination never wavered.
“I wasn’t ready to walk away,” he said.
Moore did not rule out Hill backing up rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler.
“He’s been taking reps and he can play quarterback in this league,” Moore said.
Hill, ninth in franchise history with 44 total touchdowns, tied Alvin Kamara for six rushing scores last season despite multiple injuries.
Moreau, who led the Saints with five receiving touchdowns in 2024, said the experience reminded him to appreciate every snap.
“It’s such a beautiful thing to be in these seats, in these lockers, wearing these pads,” he said. “Once you can overcome things like that, it’s just such a blessing.”
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