Wide Receiver Michael Thomas to Play Week 1 for New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints could finally have their All-Pro wide receiver back in the fold. During a Tuesday afternoon appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport expressed confidence that Michael Thomas would be ready to go for week one:

"I believe Michael Thomas will be going week one & that's a pretty big deal" ~@RapSheet #PMSLive #Saints pic.twitter.com/C3xpuwZa7y
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 6, 2022

Reports of optimism around Thomas began early in training camp. The wide receiver missed the better part of the past two seasons due to a troublesome ankle, but his last healthy year is the stuff of NFL legend. Thomas set a league record with 149 receptions during the 2019 season and also led the league with his 1725 receiving yards. The achievements earned him his second All-Pro from the Associated Press, and the Saints finished the season as the third-highest scoring team in the league.

Should Thomas truly be near the peak of his powers, the Saints will present a radically new set of pass catchers from the players that took the field last year. Thomas will join 2022 first-round pick Chris Olave and free agent signing Jarvis Landry on a unit that hopes to make things easier on recovering quarterback Jameis Winston. After finishing 19th in scoring last year, the Saints could potentially improve to the point they resemble the great Drew Brees offenses of past years.

The Saints host the Falcons in their opening game of the season this Sunday.