The New Orleans Saints will have wide receiver Michael Thomas available for Sunday’s game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ESPN reported on Friday.
Both Thomas (ankle/hamstring) and quarterback Drew Brees (right shoulder) were question marks throughout the week. But Brees was a full participant in the Saints’ practice on Friday. Thomas, however, was limited and was still listed as questionable on the team’s official injury report.
Thomas, a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler in four previous seasons with New Orleans, has not dressed for a game since Week 1 when he suffered a high-ankle sprain. Thomas had become one of the most productive receivers in the NFL with 473 career receptions for 5,529 yards and 32 touchdowns in four-plus seasons.
He had three catches for 17 yards in the opener, also against the Buccaneers, before the injury. Thomas’ return to the field has been hampered by a one-game benching following a fight in practice and an additional hamstring injury.
With Thomas, the Saints (5-2) should be at full strength offensively against the Buccaneers (6-2). Running back Alvin Kamara (foot) and wide receiver Marquez Callaway (ankle) were both full participants on Friday and are expected to play.
New Orleans has not had Brees, Thomas, Kamara, Callaway and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders all in place since the season opener.