Saints’ Michael Thomas Says He’s in ‘The 1%’ Due to Injury Issues

The Saints wide receiver said his body didn’t respond well to multiple surgeries.

Michael Thomas was considered one of the best players in the NFL three years ago but has been limited to just 10 games since 2020 due to ankle and toe injuries. For the first time in a long time, the two-time All-Pro is healthy after several surgeries that included some hardware going into his body. On Tuesday, he addressed how his comeback has been postponed time and time again. 

Specifically, he said the hardware and some bad luck are to blame. 

“I don’t want to use this as an excuse,” Thomas told ESPN. “But also, when you get surgeries and they put hardware in, sometimes your body rejects the hardware.”

After being asked if he meant hardware in his ankle, Thomas clarified that he had setbacks with the materials inserted for both injuries.

“With both,” he said. “Your body responds and healing responds to it. Whatever, I guess is, the 1%? I guess I’m in that category.”

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas hopes to return to All-Pro form after three injury-filled seasons :: Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports

Thomas first had surgery in 2021 to repair a torn deltoid and other ligaments in his left ankle after he was injured in the 2020 season opener. He also underwent surgery in 2022 after he dislocated the second toe on his right foot in the third game of the ’22 season. 

Since 2020, Thomas has tallied just 56 catches for 609 yards and three touchdowns. It will be a tall order to ask Thomas to return to being the elite wide receiver he once was now at 30 years old, but he’ll get his chance.