Jameis Winston was helped off of the field after sustaining a knee injury during the second quarter of the Saints’ Week 8 home game against the Buccaneers. Winston was ruled out for the remainder of the game after initially being questionable to return.
Winston left the game after he was tackled by Buccaneers linebacker Devin White on a running play. White was penalized on the play for making a horse-collar tackle. Winston tried to leave the field under his own power before falling on the turf. He was carted off of the field after spending time in the team’s medical tent.
Following the game, Saints coach Sean Payton described the injury as “significant,” and NFL Network’s Jane Slater reported that the injury was to Winston’s ACL.
With Taysom Hill (concussion) inactive, Winston was replaced by backup Trevor Siemian, a seven-year veteran who had not previously attempted a pass since the 2019 season. A seventh-round pick in the 2015 draft, Siemian made 24 starts for the Broncos during the 2016 and ’17 seasons. He has a 13-12 record as a starter with 30 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. Siemian entered Sunday’s game with a 59.2% career completion percentage.
Winston won his position battle over Hill after sitting behind Drew Brees during his first season in New Orleans. Through six games, Winston had completed nearly 59% of his throws with 13 touchdowns and three interceptions. Winton’s play helped the Saints get out to a 4-2 start.
Despite the loss of Winston, the Buccaneers Saints held on to defeat the defending champions, 36-27. If Winston has to miss time, Hill would presumably step into the lineup as the starter, though Siemian could get a chance if Hill is unable to return from his concussion just yet.