Saints All-Pro Wide Receiver Rounding Into Form

Michael Thomas is ready to put his lost years behind him. After missing 25 games over the past two seasons, reports are emerging that Thomas is looking like his old self. New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen was particularly effusive:

"I think he looks great," Allen said. "I thought he looked a little better today than (Tuesday). When I watch Michael Thomas out at practice, I see Michael Thomas that I saw pre-injury. I see a big, strong, physical wide receiver that makes a ton of contested catches."

Photo Credit: © Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas emerged as an immediate star for the Saints when he was drafted 47th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, reeling in 92 catches for 1137 yards as a rookie. He would peak with his astonishing 2019 season, winning the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year Award and shattering Marvin Harrison's single-season receptions record by snagging 149 passes on his way to 1725 yards.

List of players to record 450+ receptions and 5,500+ yards in their first 4 seasons in NFL history:

- Michael Thomas

That's it. That's the list.@Cantguardmike 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/WzAb9GadcP
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) August 11, 2022

An ankle injury and some controversial rehab derailed Thomas's 2020 and 2021 seasons, but the Saints are hoping his recovery can lead them back to the offensive glory the team hasn't appreciated since the days of Drew Brees. The Saints managed top 3 scoring finishes in Thomas's last two healthy seasons but finished only 19th in 2021.