The Saints began the Kellen Moore era on June 11, but Taysom Hill's ACL recovery looms large. Get the latest on the new offense and Hill's 2025 season status.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The gates at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center swung open Wednesday, and for the first time, Saints fans got a live look at the Kellen Moore era. The energy was palpable as the new head coach put the team through its paces, but beneath the surface of the crisp drills and new conditioning programs, a massive question hangs over the 2025 season: What will this offense look like without its Swiss Army knife, Taysom Hill?
The biggest question isn't who was on the field today, but who wasn't, and when—or if—he'll be back.
For the hundreds of fans in attendance, June 11th offered a glimpse into a fresh start. Head Coach Kellen Moore was front and center, leading a practice that felt both disciplined and energetic. This wasn't just about X's and O's; the team's renewed focus on advanced nutrition and conditioning protocols was evident. It's clear Moore's staff is aiming to build a more resilient, durable team from the inside out, a philosophy that will be crucial as the season wears on.
While the on-field action was promising, the most significant storyline involves a player who wasn't there. Taysom Hill continues his long road to recovery from the ACL tear he suffered in Week 13 last season. With a typical 9-to-12-month rehab timeline, his availability for the start of the 2025 campaign is in serious doubt. For a new coach like Moore, who loves creativity, losing a unique weapon like Hill is a major blow. At 35, Hill's recovery is being watched with bated breath, as his absence forces a fundamental rethinking of the offensive playbook.
With uncertainty at the skill positions, solidifying the offensive line is paramount. Today's minicamp highlighted the ongoing adjustments, particularly Trevor Penning's transition from tackle to guard. Penning spoke about the challenge but credited veteran center Eric McCoy and the coaching staff for easing the learning curve. This shuffle is a microcosm of the team's current state: young players stepping into new roles, hoping to form a cohesive unit before the real battles begin.
Wednesday's open practice offered a dose of optimism, showcasing a team embracing a new identity under Kellen Moore. However, the excitement is tempered by the reality of the challenges ahead. The offensive line is a work in progress, and the shadow of Taysom Hill's injury looms large over the entire offensive scheme. As minicamp wraps up, all eyes will turn to training camp, where the answers to these critical questions will begin to take shape.
