We most likely won't see these two Saints veterans again this season

The New Orleans Saints will probably be without two veterans the rest of the season, if not longer for at least one of the longer-tenured Saints players.

The New Orleans Saints have been without two of their longer-tenured, and two of their more talented veterans in cornerback Marshon Lattimore and wide receiver Michael Thomas since the Saints week 10 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings.

Given the Saints (albeit slim) playoff hopes hang in the balance these next two weeks, fans would be obviously forgiven for hoping that all hands will be on deck for these final two games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially with a new calendar year right around the corner, but those hopes should be brought down.

If we're being honest, this really doesn't come as a surprise when you really think about it. Sure, there's always a CHANCE they may come back into the fold this year, but it's kind of like there's a CHANCE the Saints can squeak into the playoffs. Of course, if miracles happen (this team is called the SAINTS after all) and the latter comes to fruition, then there's reason to believe the former will as well.

Of course, that's easier to say for Lattimore, because Thomas is a different issue entirely. Lattimore it's safe to assume (we think at least) will be back in a Saints uniform. Given everything that's gone down with Thomas the last few seasons, can we really say the same? Then again, perhaps that's a story best told another day.

The meat and potatoes of the issue is this. We can pretty much rule out seeing Marshon Lattimore and Michael Thomas in a New Orleans Saints uniform again in 2023? Beyond that? Well, that's anybody's guess.