New Orleans Saints Wide receiver Michael Thomas He took the next steps in his return to football Saturday.
Thomas participated in 11 on-11 drills for his first time since the 2020 season ended. This is a continuation of a ramp up process that began since the offseason began. Thomas was only a spectator to OTAs in June. However, he was able practice on Day 1 and resumed 7-on-7 drills Wednesday.
His recovery from the injury in his left ankle has been positive. This required surgery to repair a tear deltoid, as well as other ligament injuries. Thomas hasn’t been 100% since being injured in the 2020 season opener. He has also not participated in full practice since that season.
Thomas missed the 2021 Offseason following surgery to the ankle. He did not return to the regular season in last year’s season due to a midseason setback.
Dennis Allen, Saints coach said Friday that Thomas would be returning to team drills “soon”, something he laughed about Saturday.
“I promised you it would come sooner than expected, right?” He laughed.
Allen stated that Saturday was a good day to help Thomas build confidence in his ability to strengthen his ankle.
Allen admitted that there were a few occasions when he fell to the ground. Allen said that it was all part of building confidence. He seems to be in a positive mindset and he is physically fit. He’s a great guy and I’m happy for him.”
Thomas started the first set team drills Saturday by receiving a pass from the quarterback Jameis WinstonThen, he tried to catch Winston’s sideline pass but was stopped by a cornerback Paulson Adebo. Winston gave him another pass, which he fumbled and was recovered by safety Tyrann MathieuAfter missing camp’s beginning due to personal reasons, he was able to resume full team drills on Saturday.
Thomas concluded his day with a catch from the third-team quarterback Ian Book.
“We’ve kinda held back the reins on him, it was more our decision than it was his. It’s part and parcel of the ramp-up process and we’ll continue ramping him up,” Allen said about Mathieu who returned to practice Wednesday.
Thomas is having a great few days. On Wednesday, he went 3-for-3 in his return 7-on-7. He has also been sharp in 1-on-1 practice against defensive backs. Mathieu and Thomas are not yet certain if they will be playing in the Saints’ preseason game against Texas on Aug. 13.
O how missed the best fans the most? ! #whodat ??⚜️ https://t.co/WSYUpiak6D
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) August 5, 2022
Linebacker was a surprising absentee at practice Kiko AlonsoAccording to a source, he has decided to retire. After a two-year absence, Alonso was ready to resume football and signed with Saints on Friday. He also participated in the practice session that day.
After sustaining a torn ACL in the 2019 Saints game, he was fully healed and decided to retire. After six seasons and 86 NFL games, he will be retiring from the Bills Eagles Dolphins Dolphins Saints.