Is it time for Saints to get concerned about Michael Thomas?
By Kristen Wong
New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas has been working hard to recover to full health in time for the 2022 season, but several obstacles stand in his way.
The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year is apparently dealing with a hamstring issue that caused him to miss Sunday’s practice. Thomas also sat out during the Saints’ two preseason games, though that was to be expected given his health status.
Once considered one of the best wideouts in the league, Thomas’ resurgent return could be crippled by nagging injuries. He’s still rehabbing his ankle from an offseason surgery, has a seemingly non-serious hamstring issue, and may face more injury concerns in the future, especially since Thomas hasn’t played a game since December of 2020.
As his body adjusts to the rigorous, physical demands of the NFL, those in Saints camp remain optimistic about Thomas’ successful and imminent recovery, and we should be too.
Not all too shocking that #Saints WR Michael Thomas is dealing w/ a soft tissue injury. It’s the first time he has put this demand on his body in over a year. I believe the hamstring strain to be minor and the Saints are being cautious so he is ready for Week 1. https://t.co/o58piSzX8E
— Mario Pilato (@PFF_Mario) August 22, 2022
Dennis Allen said he’s comfortable with Jameis Winston’s first snaps being in the regular season if that’s the way it plays out. Wouldn’t say if that’s the case though. He didn’t elaborate much on Michael Thomas other than to say he’ll be back out when he’s ready to go.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) August 22, 2022
Saints’ Michael Thomas will be fighting to stay healthy in the 2022 season
Thomas opened training camp on the active roster and started with individual work before ramping up to full-team participation in the last few weeks. NOLA has been understandably extra cautious with Thomas and likely won’t play him in the final preseason game.
That being said, Thomas still faces a tough challenge to be game-ready by the start of regular season, and the team can’t exactly afford any setbacks. Thomas is NOLA’s No. 1 wide receiver, and he along with Jameis Winston stand out as two of the most important offensive pieces in 2022.
Last offseason, it would have made sense to be worried about Thomas, who essentially ghosted his team and delayed his ankle surgery, but this time around, there appears to be honest and open communication on both sides as Thomas is clearly doing everything in his power to get back in shape.
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Until he returns to consistent form, Thomas will continually pose as a liability and injury risk and will be handled with utmost caution. Such is the natural cycle of rehab — there’s no need to be concerned just yet.