New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen shared a positive update on Michael Thomas during his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show this week, saying that the former All-Pro wide receiver is still on the road to recovery after a series of lower-leg injuries interrupted his career. But everything is on track and progressing as the team expected.
“Right now he’s still going through some of the rehab process,” Allen said. “He had some hardware removed out of that foot that he had surgery on this past season. He’s doing really well. He’s working extremely hard.”
So it doesn’t sound like Thomas will see much action in organized team activities in May and June, which is the case for a couple of players on the mend. The Saints are practicing an abundance of caution with rookie running back Kendre Miller as he works back from a meniscus injury and veteran tight end Foster Moreau while he recovers from lymphoma treatment. Offensive linemen Cesar Ruiz and Trevor Penning have both recently shed walking boots after suffering late-season Lisfranc injuries last year.
But when do the Saints anticipate Thomas will get back on the field?
“Our anticipation is that,” Allen paused, considering his words carefully, “He’ll be limited throughout this offseason. But our anticipation is that when we get to training camp that he’ll be good to go. Now when we get to training camp we’re going to be smart with him, getting him back into football shape.”
Allen commended Thomas for his strong start to the 2022 season, when he caught three touchdown passes in the first two games and ranked among league leaders with 16 receptions for 171 yards and 13 first down conversions through the first three weeks. He says the Saints are eager to get him back to full strength and into the lineup.
