Jameis Winston will miss the remainder of the 2021 season after the Saints quarterback suffered a torn ACL in New Orleans' Week 8 win over the Buccaneers, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network and confirmed by CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson. Winston is also said to have suffered damage to his MCL as well. The veteran quarterback was helped off of the field after sustaining a knee injury during the second quarter of their matchup with Tampa Bay. Winston was ruled out for the remainder of the game not too long after initially being listed as 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," which has now been confirmed and New Orleans will be needing to replace Winston for the remainder of the year.
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. He finished the contest completing 16 of his 29 throws for 159 yards and a touchdown. Siemian will be a candidate to start with Winston now out for the season, but the Saints' first option will likely be Taysom Hill if he is able to return in time for the team's Week 9 matchup with the Falcons.
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.
