The New Orleans Saints are currently sitting atop the somewhat pitiful AFC South division with a 5-5 record after their Week 11 bye. Having received bad news after their Week 10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, will now be officially down an offensive weapon in the passing game for at least the next 4 weeks, per Adam Schefter.
Saints placed WR Michael Thomas on injured reserve and signed WR Marquez Callaway to their practice squad.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 21, 2023
How Will This Impact The New Orleans Saints’ Passing Offense?
Michael Thomas, the 2019 Offensive Player Of The Year, 2 x All-Pro and 3 x Pro Bowler, was once regarded as arguably the best wide receiver in the National Football League. He had a unique connection with the ultra-accurate future hall of famer, Drew Brees, and was indeed unguardable on his famed 5 yard slant routes at his peak.
Since getting a hefty 5 year, $100 million contract back in 2020, Michael Thomas has racked up just 1057 yards over the past four years combined after being derailed by multiple injuries. However, this year, after finally coming into camp fit and healthy, Thomas was starting to resemble something a bit more like his former self, racking up 448 receiving yards this year. He was also far more consistent than in recent years, attaining at least 42 yards in all but 2 games this season.
It is obviously a big blow for Thomas, who has worked so hard and for so long to be back in this position with a (sort of) contending Saints team, only to end up back on IR.
As for the New Orleans Saints, whilst this is certainly not the news they wanted to hear, they will be bolstered by the fact that they have two very high performing wideouts in the form of second-year high draft pick Chris Olave and undrafted speedster Rashid Shaheed, who has developed into a true deep threat weapon for this middle-of-the-pack Saints team.
Let’s hope Michael Thomas manages a speedy full recovery, whilst for the Saints, it will be interesting to see who develops into quarterback Derek Carr’s new third favourite receiver.
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