Report: Saints place Michael Thomas on IR, but he will return for playoffs
The New Orleans Saints won’t be at full strength against the Kansas City Chiefs after all.
Though the team is reportedly getting back star quarterback Drew Brees in Week 15, All-Pro wideout Michael Thomas will not be available. The Saints have reportedly placed Thomas on Injured Reserve on Saturday due to an ankle injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The move means Thomas will miss the next three games, which ends his regular season. He will, however, be eligible to return in time for the playoffs.
Michael Thomas now out for rest of regular season but back healthy for postseason, per sources. His ankle just was not getting better with practice and games. https://t.co/ccH06nceJe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 19, 2020
Thomas suffered the injury in Week 1 and missed six games as a result. Thomas was able to return to action in Week 9. While he’s turned in a couple strong performances, Thomas’ ankle reportedly hasn’t gotten better with practice or in games, according to Schefter.
Saints fighting to reclaim top playoff seed in NFC
With the move, the Saints are hoping Thomas will be closer to full health for the postseason. The Saints are one of two NFC teams to have already clinched a spot in the postseason. After owning the top seed in the NFC for weeks, the Saints dropped to the No. 2 spot following their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. The Green Bay Packers now own the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Catching the Packers remains important, but the Saints won’t jeopardize Thomas’ health to reclaim the top seed in the NFC. With three weeks left in the regular season, getting Thomas close to 100 percent for the postseason is the Saints’ main priority.
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