Michael Thomas Has A Setback Dealing with Ankle Injury


 New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas has reportedly suffered a setback in his recovery from offseason ankle surgery that will keep Thomas on the sidelines even longer than expected. The three-time pro bowler had surgery on his ankle to repair ligament damage and was placed on the NFL's physically unable to perform list (PUP) before the beginning of the season, and although Thomas is eligible to be activated off the PUP list and start practicing now, this new setback will certainly prevent any of that from happening.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Thomas has seen a specialist recently for his ankle injury, but the news wasn't great and it remains unknown when the receiver will be healthy enough to return to the field 

 In 2019, Thomas was the first receiver since Jerry Rice in 1993 to win NFL Offensive Player of the Year behind a NFL-record 149 receptions for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns, but that has been the last of the dominance we have seen from Thomas, as recently injuries have started to slow down the former Ohio State product.  Thomas only appeared in seven games last season, and as Thomas has confirmed via Twitter, it looks like his 2021 season is over before he even had a chance to step onto the field. 

With the Saints sitting in second place in the NFC South with a 5-2 record, New Orleans is in a position to contend for a playoff spot and getting Thomas would have helped with that but we know that's not the case. With no help coming from a trade before yesterday's deadline, the remaining Saints receiving corps are Marquez Callaway, Tre'Quan Smith and Deonte Harris who all have been doing an admirable job filling in for the injured Thomas, but now will be relied upon to close out the season strong and help keep the Saints contending for a playoff spot.

Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel - USA TODAY Sports