Saints All-Pro Wide Receiver Out for Week 4

The New Orleans Saints could be short a couple of key pieces for Sunday's international game against the Minnesota Vikings. Saints head coach Dennis Allen shared at his Friday presser that wide receiver Michael Thomas would be unavailable for the team's game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.

#Saints WR Michael Thomas is out and QB Jameis Winston is doubtful for Sunday, per coach Dennis Allen.

Andy Dalton in line to start against the #Vikings in London.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 30, 2022

Thomas sustained a toe injury in the Saints' Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Though not expected to miss extensive time, he won't be ready to go by Sunday. The two-time All-Pro has missed 26 of a possible 36 games since 2020 with complications surrounding an ankle injury. His unavailability will mean increased targets for the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Month Chris Olave and fellow banged-up veteran Jarvis Landry.

Thomas joined the Saints as their 47th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and immediately proved a reliable and dominant workhorse in the passing game. He tallied an amazing 470 receptions and 5512 receiving yards across his first four seasons, earning three Pro Bowls and a pair of All-Pros. He's accounted for a mere 56 receptions for 609 yards since 2020 while battling injury. Should this week's absence turn out to be a mere blip and Thomas return to his previous elite play, the Saints could have one of the league's better wide receiver trios. In the meantime, they'll likely continue to struggle on offense.