Michael Thomas takes key step in injury comeback

Aug 9, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) on the bench in the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas took an encouraging step toward returning to action during Saturday’s practice.

Thomas took part on team drills Saturday without issue, according to Saints coach Dennis Allen. At one point, Thomas also went to the ground without a problem.

Another positive step: #Saints coach Dennis Allen says WR Michael Thomas was in team drills for the first time and came out clean. He even went to the ground and had no issues. Progress.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2022

Video from Friday’s practice showed Thomas looking sharp, albeit without any defenders on him.

Michael Thomas looks a lot like Michael Thomas these days. #Saints pic.twitter.com/Uom7e0cHrs

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) August 5, 2022

Thomas’ return is a key storyline for the Saints in 2022. The 29-year-old missed the entire 2021 season after undergoing ankle surgery, and there were questions as to whether he would get back at anything close to full strength. Thomas has tried to shut down those doubters, but will ultimately have to prove it on the field.

Thomas was last fully healthy in 2019, when he posted 1,725 receiving yards and won AP Offensive Player of the Year honors. That may be too much to ask of him in 2022, but a healthy Thomas should be a big help to the new-look Saints offense.