The New Orleans Saints are getting their biggest offensive weapon back just in time for the postseason.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Saints’All-Pro wideout Michael Thomas is expected to return to practice on Wednesday and should play against Chicago Bears in the NFC Wild-Card game this weekend.
Saints’ head coach Sean Payton was recently asked about Thomas’ status for the playoffs but didn’t offer many details on the matter.
“I know he’s been working at it,” said Payton. “But we’ll get a better feel this week how he’s progressing.”
Thomas suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 against Tampa Bay Buccaneers and missed the next six games as a result. The 27-year-old wideout returned in Week 9, but the injury continued to trouble him, causing the Saints to place him on Injured Reserve for their final three weeks of the regular season.
In seven games he played in 2020, Thomas had 40 receptions for 438 yards but failed to get a single touchdown catch.
While the Saints hardly missed a beat with Michael Thomas out, having him back on the field should make a big difference. Thomas has been productive under the spotlight in previous postseason appearances, totaling 53 catches for 493 yards and three TDs in five games.
