Injuries are the bane of fantasy football managers and the last week or so has gotten progressively worse. Injury reports have featured some of the most important players in the NFL. We’re diving into New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas’ injury update to see if he’s worth starting on your fantasy roster.
Michael Thomas injury update
The Saints have a promising team with some of the most exciting playmakers in the league at key positions. And yet, by the end of Week 3, it’s discouraging to know their quarterback is dealing with fractures in his back, star wide receiver has a toe injury, and their slot receiver has an ankle injury. Things could be worse, but the Saints don’t have a large margin for error in the NFC South.
Thomas’s toe injury was suffered in Week 3’s loss to Carolina where he had five receptions for 49 yards. It was the first game of the season he didn’t have a touchdown. He’s the No. 16 receiver in PPR leagues and has shown good chemistry with quarterback Jameis Winston.
Though the Saints had seemed dodged a bullet, calling both Thomas’ and Jarvis Landry’s injuries minor, Thomas missed practices all week in London. On Friday, Thomas was ruled out by the Saints.
What is Tre’Quan Smith’s fantasy value?
Now the Saints have ruled out Thomas, if your fantasy roster doesn’t have a quality WR2 ready to step into your lineup (or you’re now lacking at the flex spot), consider picking up Smith as a replacement. Smith is rostered in less than one percent on every site, but he’s in an ideal position to earn a larger workload without Thomas.
In his first game of the season, Smith registered 105 yards with 4 receptions on 5 targets. Smith has always been a bit of an enigma, unable to produce consistently throughout his first four seasons. It’s possible that the stronger supporting cast now on the Saints offense can lessen the burden Smith faced with coverage more focused on him.
It’d certainly be a gutsy call to start Smith, considering his pedigree, and there’s a high likelihood you have a more reputable play available on your bench. But don’t rule it out if your roster is in true need. Olave will need someone to take pressure off him, and Winston was more than comfortable working with Smith as well.
Minnesota has an average defense against receivers in terms of fantasy production allowed. Only five more defenses have allowed more yards, but the Vikings have given up only one touchdown. That could easily change against Thomas and Chris Olave.
It all depends on the status of your roster. Hopefully, you’re not at the point of picking up deep sleepers like Smith but also don’t be afraid of trying something new when there’s data and opportunity that favors the bold choice.