Saints All-Pro Wide Receiver Expected Back in Week 6

The New Orleans Saints are scrambling with injuries at key positions in the early portion of the regular season, but they should get a little help in Week 6. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, wide receiver Michael Thomas is expected back for next week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Saints’ WR Michael Thomas, already ruled out for today’s game against the Seahawks due to a foot injury, is likely to be able return for next week’s game against the Bengals, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 9, 2022

Thomas didn't log a single practice all week, so the confidence in the report is surprising. Thomas missed last week's loss against the Minnesota Vikings with a foot injury and has an extensive recent history of missed time, having been unavailable for 27 of the team's previous 37 games.

The Saints have stumbled to a 1-3 start to the season, and they'll likely struggle again in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks with Thomas and starting quarterback Jameis Winston both expected to miss the contest.

MICHAEL. THOMAS. IS. BACK. @Saints pic.twitter.com/5H1Okiyu8T
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 11, 2022

Thomas has been a superstar when available for the Saints, averaging 83.8 receiving yards per game over 73 appearances with the team. In his absence, the team will likely lean heavily on September's Offensive Rookie of the Month Chris Olave and free agency addition Jarvis Landry to soak up targets.