Michael Thomas has a lengthy injury, so any potential new issue is always concerning — and the New Orleans Saints WR may have gotten banged up in Week 10. What happened to Thomas on Sunday, and what’s his current injury status?
Michael Thomas Injury Update
Thomas took a hard shot to the back from Minnesota Vikings CB Akayleb Evans. He didn’t stay down on the field after the play, but the Saints’ beat reporters soon noticed the blue medical tent had appeared on New Orleans’ sideline.
Thomas was in the tent for the better part of the Saints’ next two drives. He eventually returned to New Orleans’ bench and was trying to stretch his right knee.
Thomas was wearing a baseball hat instead of his helmet, but he notably did not head to the Saints’ locker room.
#Saints WR Michael Thomas was injured on this play and went to the medical tent.pic.twitter.com/uOuriniSwz
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 12, 2023
The Saints initially announced that Thomas was questionable to return with a knee injury. However, he was officially ruled out midway through the third quarter.
Fortunately, Thomas is not believed to have suffered a severe injury, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. He caught his leg in the turf, and New Orleans opted to “play it safe,” per Underhill.
Thomas entered today’s game shrouded in controversy. The veteran pass catcher was arrested on Saturday night and charged with misdemeanor simple battery and criminal mischief after an altercation with a contractor in his neighborhood.
MORE: New Orleans Saints Depth Chart
The 30-year-old had stayed healthy through nine games after injuries limited him to just 10 total games from 2020-22. Heading into Week 9, Thomas had posted 38 receptions for 438 yards and a touchdown.
Rookie sixth-round pick A.T. Perry has replaced Thomas in two wide sets thus far. Rashid Shaheed has only appeared in three-WR formations.
Fantasy Fallout From Thomas’ Injury
Thomas owns a unique role in this Saints offense, which means a direct replacement isn’t going to happen. Of course, opportunities would open up if Thomas (6.9 targets per game) is out.
Shaheed entered Week 10 averaging 1.98 fantasy points per target, a rate that is nothing short of elite. That rate isn’t sustainable, but if the target share spikes, it doesn’t have to be to make Shaheed a reasonable weekly Flex.
The Saints go on bye in Week 11 but have a favorable run to the fantasy finish line. Chris Olave remains the only Saints receiver who will be ranked as a consistent starter.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe