Thomas looked like his old self in 2022 training camp and that had Fantasy managers excited enough to use as high as a fifth-round pick on him in early summer drafts, but it didn't take long for him to deal with his first injury. Ultimately, Thomas was placed on injured reserve after appearing in just three games. Of course, in those three games Thomas looked a lot like his old self, specifically in the red zone where he dominated targets and scored three touchdowns in just three games. If you can grab Thomas in Round 10, he's worth the risk as most of the talent with anywhere near his upside has dried up by that point anyway.
Saints' Michael Thomas: Logs six catches in second half
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Thomas gathered in six of nine targets for 50 yards during Sunday's 18-17 loss against the Packers.
After being targeted twice during the first half, Thomas caught his final six targets from backup quarterback Jameis Winston, who had to step in during the third quarter for injured starter Derek Carr (shoulder). All six of the veteran wideout's receptions came during the fourth quarter as the Saints tried to defend the 17-0 lead they carried over from the first half. Thomas was a consistent short-to-intermediate target for Winston while second-year wideout Chris Olave helped stretch the field vertically. Olave finished as New Orleans' leading receiver in terms of yards (104) and targets (11), though he was targeted one fewer time than Thomas in the second half. Carr is believed to be dealing with an AC sprain in his right shoulder, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, which shouldn't be season-ending but could cause him to miss time moving forward. Should Winston step in as QB1 over the next few weeks, Thomas could stand to benefit while seeing more targets as a short-yardage security blanket behind Olave.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Sleeper WRs
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In PPR, Thomas is worth starting as a No. 3 receiver in three-receiver leagues. He hasn't scored a touchdown yet or eclipsed 61 receiving yards, but he's averaging 11.8 PPR points per game and has 17 targets from Derek Carr. Thomas is on pace for 102 catches this year, which would be remarkable given his injury history, and I hope his stats continue to increase. It's not an easy matchup against the Packers in Week 3, but Thomas has become a security blanket for Carr, which has helped in PPR.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Sit Him (Lineup Decisions)
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Thomas is OK as a flex in PPR since 12 points is a pretty easy bar for him to reach. Expecting anything more than that feels risky, particularly since Derek Carr has made a bunch of plays with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, both of whom figure to give the Packers cornerbacks more trouble than Thomas. I'd roll with him over DeAndre Hopkins and George Pickens but I would start Tutu Atwell, Jordan Addison and Michael Pittman over Thomas.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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In PPR, Thomas is worth starting as a No. 3 receiver in three-receiver leagues. He hasn't scored a touchdown yet or eclipsed 61 receiving yards, but he's averaging 11.8 PPR points per game and has 17 targets from Derek Carr. Thomas is on pace for 102 catches this year, which would be remarkable given his injury history, and I hope his stats continue to increase. It's not an easy matchup against the Packers in Week 3, but Thomas has become a security blanket for Carr, which has helped in PPR.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Hot start in Monday's win
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Thomas caught seven of nine targets for 55 yards in Monday's 20-17 win over the Panthers.
Thomas was busy early, accounting for seven of Derek Carr's 13 first-half completions, including a spectacular 19-yard catch along the sideline to convert on third down and set the Saints up with first-and-goal from the four-yard line. New Orleans ultimately settled for a field goal on that drive, and neither team found the end zone until Tony Jones' two-yard touchdown run with less than three minutes left in the third quarter. The defense shifted in Thomas' direction and held him without a catch in the second half, but the veteran wide receiver still finished with a respectable stat line and has 12 catches for 116 yards on the season heading into a Week 3 trip to Green Bay.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Sleeper WRs
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Thomas did two things of note in Week 1 against Tennessee. For starters, he stayed healthy, which is great to see, and we hope he can make it through the entire season. But he showed a solid rapport with new quarterback Derek Carr with five catches for 61 yards on eight targets, including an impressive 25-yard grab down the left sideline. He'll continue to be a short-area target for Carr while Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed operate on the perimeter, but Thomas still has plenty of appeal as a starter in three-receiver leagues in Week 2 against the Panthers, who are down cornerback Jaycee Horn (hamstring), leaving a big hole in their secondary.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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Thomas did two things of note in Week 1 against Tennessee. For starters, he stayed healthy, which is great to see, and we hope he can make it through the entire season. But he showed a solid rapport with new quarterback Derek Carr with five catches for 61 yards on eight targets, including an impressive 25-yard grab down the left sideline. He'll continue to be a short-area target for Carr while Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed operate on the perimeter, but Thomas still has plenty of appeal as a starter in three-receiver leagues in Week 2 against the Panthers, who are down cornerback Jaycee Horn (hamstring), leaving a big hole in their secondary.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Sleeper WRs
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As long as Thomas is healthy then he's worth using as at least a No. 3 Fantasy receiver or flex in all leagues. While Chris Olave is now the alpha receiver for the Saints, you can still expect Thomas to get plenty of targets in a plus matchup. He only appeared in three games last year, but in two of them he scored at least 18.5 PPR points. He has that type of upside, and Thomas could go off for a big game in his return to action in Week 1 at home.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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As long as Thomas is healthy then he's worth using as at least a No. 3 Fantasy receiver or flex in all leagues. While Chris Olave is now the alpha receiver for the Saints, you can still expect Thomas to get plenty of targets in a plus matchup. He only appeared in three games last year, but in two of them he scored at least 18.5 PPR points. He has that type of upside, and Thomas could go off for a big game in his return to action in Week 1 at home.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Looking more like old self
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Thomas is looking "more like his old self" the more he practices at Saints camp, Luke Johnson of NOLA.com reports.
"Thomas looks to be hitting his stride," wrote Johnson. Rejuvenated and healthy, Thomas has been stacking strong practices together and looks to be getting closer to 100 percent ahead of Week 1. Now 30 years old and coming off three injury-ruined seasons, Thomas is hard to trust for fantasy, but he produced when he was on the field last year, catching 16 of 22 targets for 171 yards and three touchdowns in three games.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Makes catch in return
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Thomas caught one of two targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 26-24 preseason win over the Chiefs.
Thomas hadn't played since Week 3 of last season but was involved early on, garnering both of his targets on New Orleans' 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to begin the game. With fellow wideouts Rashid Shaheed and Tre'Quan Smith both dealing with slight groin issues, Thomas currently faces less competition for looks from new quarterback Derek Carr, but with him playing merely 10 games over the last three seasons, the Saints figure to be careful with Thomas' preseason workload.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Expected to play Sunday
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Thomas and the rest of the Saints' healthy offensive starters are expected to play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Chiefs, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.
This is great news for Thomas, who's been slowly working his way back into form after playing in just 10 games over the past three seasons. While the veteran wideout will likely be available, he'll presumably be limited to just a series or two.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Slowly working back into form
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According to John DeShazier of the Saints' official site, Thomas, who was cleared to practice in full during training camp, said Tuesday that he feels like he's "trending in the right direction," and, "taking every day one day at a time..." as he works continues to work his way back from nearly a two-season long hiatus.
Thomas played just 10 games over the last three regular seasons for the Saints, as numerous injuries and subsequent surgeries plagued him during this span. DeShazier adds that the 30-year-old wideout has looked impressive during team drills and one-on-one sessions in training camp; however, it makes sense that Thomas doesn't talk like he's completely regained the same physical form from his 2018 and 2019 All-Pro campaigns. The Saints also appear to be prioritizing Thomas' long-term availability during training camp. Coach Dennis Allen said Tuesday, "There's a number of guys that we have some planned limited practice days, some planned extra days off. We've got a plan for [Thomas]." It's unclear if this precautionary practice schedule will impact Thomas' development and familiarity with new starting quarterback Derek Carr, though avoiding potential re-injury or setbacks will likely go a long way toward maximizing the wideout's effectiveness, and fantasy value, this coming season.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Ready to practice in full
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Coach Dennis Allen said Thomas (toe) will be a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.
Thomas, who has been limited to just 10 appearances over the last three seasons, will begin training camp at 100 percent health after taking part in OTAs and minicamp on a limited basis. After a March restructure, Thomas is currently with the Saints on a one-year, $10 million contract that can go up to $15 million via incentives heading into his age-30 season. While Chris Olave may well be the true No. 1 option for new quarterback Derek Carr, Thomas' ability to contribute shouldn't be overlooked if he can stay on the field consistently. He began the 2022 season with a 16-171-3 receiving line in three games, before subsequently missing the rest of the year due to a dislocated second toe.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Expected to be full-go for camp
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Thomas (toe) is expected to be a full participant when training camp opens Wednesday, NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill reports.
Thomas took part in OTAs and minicamp on a limited basis, and having him ready for training camp has always been the goal. It's another positive step in Thomas' return from three straight injury-ruined seasons. Thomas is now 30 years old but should be one of the focal points of the Saints' passing game as long as he's healthy. He went 16-171-3 in three games to begin last season before missing the rest of the year.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Present for OTAs
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Thomas (toe) was present for Tuesday's OTA practice.
A toe injury limited Thomas to three games in 2022, but he continues to progress as the coming season approaches. While his presence for OTAs is encouraging, coach Dennis Allen reiterated Tuesday that the team's main focus with regard to Thomas is getting the wideout ready for training camp. If he avoids any injury setbacks, the 30-year-old -- who has played in only 10 contests over the last three seasons -- will have a chance to reclaim his key role in a New Orleans wide receiver corps that also includes Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, with newcomer Derek Carr now handling the team's starting QB duties. For now, however, Thomas will be limited, with Patrick Magee of the New Orleans Times-Tribune relaying that he worked off to the side with the Saints' signal callers Tuesday, simulating some routes.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Should be ready for training camp
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Coach Dennis Allen said Thursday that he expects Thomas (toe) to be "good to go" for training camp, Ross Jackson of SI.com reports.
Thomas remains on track for the start on training camp barring any setbacks, meaning he should be 100 percent before Week 1 and have some time to build a rapport with new quarterback Derek Carr. The 30-year-old wideout has play sparingly since having led the league in catches back-to-back years, from 2018-19, potentially making him an interesting sleeper candidate for the 2023 fantasy season. Chris Olave may now be New Orleans' true No. 1 wideout, but if Thomas can remain healthy he's positioned for a key role as one of Carr's go-to pass catchers.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Staying in New Orleans
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Thomas (toe) agreed Tuesday to restructure his contract, likely keeping him with the Saints for 2023, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
A contract restructure in January set Thomas up to be released this offseason, but he then decided to work things out with the Saints rather than hitting free agency after missing the final three months of 2022 with a dislocated toe. He's now on a one-year, $10 million contract that can go up to $15 million via incentives, and he'll be catching passes from Derek Carr after the Saints cycled through Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian and Andy Dalton the past two years. While Carr is no Drew Brees and Chris Olave may be the true No. 1 now, Thomas is in a decent spot to bounce back in his age-30 season ahead.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Restructures contract again
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Thomas, who is on injured reserve due to a dislocated toe, restructured his contract with the Saints on Saturday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
The big change is the addition of a nearly $32 million roster bonus guaranteed on the third day of the new league year. The untenable number comes in replace of nearly $14 million in 2023 base salary, essentially allowing the Saints to realize cap savings sooner when they eventually cut the former All-Pro wideout this offseason. While the Saints would still be on the hook for some of the roster bonus even with a post-June 1 designation, it's still an important restructuring for the franchise, which is once again steeped in salary cap woes. For Thomas, the contract change could allow the oft-injured target to hit the open market sooner than the start of free agency and thus draw more interest from teams. The 29-year-old has played just 10 games since the end of the 2019 season.
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Saints' Michael Thomas: Needs surgery, out for season
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Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Thursday that Thomas needs surgery to address a dislocated second toe on his right foot, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports. Allen said Thomas will be placed on injured reserve and is likely out for the season.
Allen noted that he doesn't have a precise timeline for Thomas' recovery from surgery, but the wideout isn't on pace to make it back this season after he unsuccessfully tried to rehab the toe injury, which he sustained Week 3. Thomas will have now played in just 10 games over the past three seasons, creating significant questions about his long-term outlook as he heads into his age-30 season in 2023. With Thomas out of the mix for the second half of the season, rookie Chris Olave is projected to serve as the Saints' No. 1 wideout the rest of the way, with Jarvis Landry (ankle), Marquez Callaway and Tre'Quan Smith offering depth behind him. Thomas is on the Saints' books through the next two seasons at cap hits of $28.26 million and $27.51 million for 2023 and 2024, respectively.
