Saints quarterback Taysom Hill injured a finger on his throwing hand Thursday night when the hand hit the arm of a Cowboys defender. He played the remainder of the game, which the Saints eventually lost 27-17.
On Friday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Hill suffered a mallet finger injury that is similar to the injury Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson suffered earlier this season.
Saints’ doctors determined that QB Taysom Hill suffered a mallet finger injury Thursday, but it will not require surgery considering it is not as extensive as the one Russell Wilson suffered earlier this year, per source. Hill now will try to play through the injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 3, 2021
Hill was making his first start of the season at quarterback for New Orleans on Thursday. He was 3-1 as a starter last season in place of an injured Drew Brees.
Hill previously dealt with a concussion and a foot injury this year. Here's what you need to know about his current injury.
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What is Taysom Hill's injury?
Doctors determined Friday that Hill suffered a mallet finger injury. The injury reportedly is not serious enough to require surgery, so Hill will most likely try to play through it.
Here's the moment that Taysom Hill injury happened pic.twitter.com/QD4PN93NkW
— Luke Johnson (@ByLukeJohnson) December 3, 2021
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What is mallet finger?
Mallet finger injuries are not very common in football, but Russell Wilson suffered one in Week 5 this season. According to Summit Orthopedics, mallet finger is a fingertip joint injury that occurs when an object hits a finger, which in turn tears the tendon on the top (or nail side) of the finger. A person cannot straighten the finger when this happens, and so the bent finger resembles a mallet.
MORE: What is Russell Wilson's injury?
Not all mallet finger injuries need surgery, and it appears as if Hill won't. To cure mallet finger, the finger needs to stay straight 24 hours a day, which is typically done through the use of a splint. It usually takes a few weeks for the finger to straighten completely.
MORE: Wilson says he spent '19 to 20 hours a day' rehabbing finger injury
Wilson missed three games with his injury.
Will Taysom Hill be out in Week 14?
There is no confirmation on Hill's return date, but it appears he will play through his injury. The Saints' next game isn't until Sunday, Dec. 12, when they play the Jets on the road. This gives Hill more than week to work on the injury.