Michael Thomas gets injury update ahead of training camp

While a seemingly minor development, that Thomas hasn’t suffered a setback ahead of training camp is a major win in itself. It keeps him on track to be on the field for the regular season opener.

Earlier this off-season during OTAs, head coach Dennis Allen said the Saints would be cautious with Thomas in the lead-up to training camp. He told reporters on Jun. 6, "All our energy is focused on getting him ready to go in training camp."

Thomas echoed his head coach's sentiment the same day, saying, "We're going to be ready for training camp, first Day 1, out there with the team, ready to go full speed, just like the old days and what everyone's used to." 

It's not hard to envision where a healthy Thomas fits in the Saints' offense. Second-year pros Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed give quarterback Derek Carr intriguing options in the deep and intermediate passing game, which should allow Thomas to feast on short routes.

Among the 40 most targeted receivers in the NFL last season, data from Pro Football Focus shows Olave had the second-highest average depth of target (14.9 yards). Shaheed averaged 17.4 yards per reception on 28 receptions. Only three receivers with that many receptions averaged more yards per catch last season (Gabe Davis, Terrace Marshall Jr., Jaylen Waddle).

At his peak, Thomas was practically unguardable on short routes. Per PFF, during Thomas' historic 2019 season, he caught 100 of 114 passes (87.7 percent) thrown zero-to-nine yards past the line of scrimmage. That season, he set the single-season record for receptions in a season at 149.

He's an extremely reliable option when on the field. His problem, of course, has been avoiding injuries. Last year, Thomas suffered a dislocated toe in Week 3 that later required surgery, ending his season.

In 2020, a high ankle sprain and hamstring injury forced him to miss nine games. During the 2021 offseason, miscommunication with team officials resulted in a delay in ankle surgery, ultimately costing him the entire season.

This time, both Thomas and the Saints are on the same page. How long they stay united could determine the direction New Orleans goes in 2023.