Will We See Michael Thomas Again In A Saints Uniform?

After another season shortened by injury, could Michael Thomas and the New Orleans Saints be headed to a split after the 2023 NFL season?

One of the most unpredictable elements of the NFL is how quickly everything can change. In the case of New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, that sentiment could not be more true. Coming off of a three-season run of over 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards capped with a record-breaking 2019 wherein he claimed the single-season catch record, one play changed the entire trajectory of Thomas' career.

On a late fourth quarter red zone run, in a game that was in the bag for New Orleans, Thomas was a perimeter blocker. Former Saints running back Latavius Murray stumbled to a fall on the first and 9 carry, landing on the back of Thomas' left leg. 

The four-yard rush would set forth what has now been a tumultuous four-year battle through injury, rehab, recovery and injury again. Now, late in the 2023 NFL season, it looks unlikely that Thomas will finish the year on the field. A result that could very well set up the end between the record-breaking wideout and the Saints.

Michael Thomas warms up ahead of the Saints' matchup with the Texans / Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during warm ups prior to the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

THOMAS RETURNING FROM INJURED RESERVE?

Saints head coach Dennis Allen was clear during his Tuesday press conference. He does not expect any players on injured reserve to return to practice this week. New Orleans currently has eight players on injured reserve and one, defensive end Payton Turner, whose practice window is already open. Of the eight the list, three (running back Eno Benjamin, offensive lineman Trai Turner and linebacker Andrew Dowell) are not eligible to return.

That leaves cornerback Marshon Lattimore, safety Marcus Maye, defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, rookie offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri and Thomas as those that can come back. With none of those players returning for Week 17, a game that could keep the Saints' playoff hopes alive, it is hard to imagine any of those coming back for a Week 18 matchup where perhaps even a win may not end with a postseason appearance.

Thomas ending the season on injured reserve would make it the fourth season in a row in which that is the case. One glowing caveat is that while he finished the season on the list in 2020, he returned for the Saints' two playoff games against the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa wrapping up that season was a cruel symmetry, bookending as the opponent against whom the initial ankle injury that started this all for Thomas.

Then came an entirely missed season in 2021 and short-live three-game year in 2022. Both caused by what Thomas and others around him describe as his body "rejecting the hardware" that was used in the pair of surgeries.

Michael Thomas leads the Who Dat chant before the Thursday Night tilt against the Jaguars / Oct 19, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

After starting ten games in 2023, things looked to be headed in the right direction for him. He never played any less than 40 snaps. He only caught less than 3 passes in a game once and compiled at least 40 receiving yards in each contest. Thomas was contributing despite only having one touchdown reception.

But then, Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings came. Thomas played just two snaps and spent the majority of the remainder of the game inside the injury tent and the rest watching from the sideline. As he was holding on to his helmet, it seemed like there would be a chance for him to return, but instead he has not since.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR MICHAEL THOMAS?

Now, eligible to return from injured reserve since the conclusion of the Week 15 win over the New York Giants, things do not look promising. Perhaps if New Orleans is able to extend their season to the playoffs, Thomas will be able to make a return then. But if not, it feels very possible that the Saints and Thomas are headed towards a split.

Saints Task Simple, But Not Easy

New Orleans would need to do some work on his contract first, but he is effectively set to be a free agent after this year. Thomas was on an incentive heavy deal which included pay bumps for many criteria including receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns caught and more. He will see none of those incentives by year's end whether he plays or not.

The 2016 second-round selection out of Ohio State has proven to be a fighter. It would not and should not surprise anyone to see him back on a football field in 2024. The question though will be simple; whose jersey will be wearing?