Tag: Michael Thomas

Oct 29, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Tony Brown (38) tackles New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Saints to release WR Michael Thomas

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The New Orleans Saints will release wide receiver Michael Thomas prior to the start of the new league year next week, The Times-Picayune reported Thursday.

Thomas was in line to receive a base salary of $1.21 million this season with a roster bonus of $2.2 million. He carried a cap hit of just over $12.4 million, per Spotrac.

Thomas, 31, has spent his entire career with New Orleans since being selected by the Saints in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. The two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection recorded consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in his first four years in the league, culminating with 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns in 2019, when he was named Offensive Player of the Year.

Thomas has endured several injury-riddled seasons since catching an NFL record 149 passes in 2019. He has played in 20 games (15 starts) over the last four years, including missing the entire 2021 season due to an ankle injury.

Thomas had 39 catches for 448 yards with a touchdown in 10 games (seven starts) last season before landing on injured reserve due to an ailing knee.

–Field Level Media

Oct 29, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Tony Brown (38) tackles New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Saints place WR Michael Thomas on IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

Thomas sustained a knee injury on the first drive of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. He will miss at least the team’s next four games of the season.

The two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection has played in 10 games in 2023 after totaling that number over the previous three seasons.

Thomas, 30, has 39 catches for 448 yards and one touchdown this season.

Thomas is in his eighth year with the Saints, who picked him with the No. 47 overall selection of the 2016 NFL Draft. He recorded consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in his first four years in the league, culminating with 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns in 2019, when he was named Offensive Player of the Year.

Also on Tuesday, the Saints signed defensive back Cameron Dantzler to the active roster from the practice squad and wideout Marquez Callaway to the practice squad.

Dantzler, 25, has played in two games this season. He has 149 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 37 career games (26 starts) with the Vikings and Saints.

Callaway, 25, has not appeared in a game in 2023 but has played in 42 games (17 starts) for New Orleans over the past three seasons, with 83 career receptions for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) is carted off the field after an injury against the Minnesota Vikings during the thrid quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Saints QB Derek Carr remains in concussion protocol

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is still in concussion protocol after completing the bye week.

Head coach Dennis Allen said on Monday as the Saints return to work that Carr isn’t yet cleared. He left the 27-19 Week 10 loss at the Minnesota Vikings with a concussion.

Jameis Winston finished that game and would be in line to start Sunday at the Atlanta Falcons if Carr doesn’t progress through the NFL-mandated protocol.

Carr has completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 2,231 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions over his first 10 starts with New Orleans (5-5) following a nine-year tenure with the Raiders franchise.

Allen also said that wide receiver Michael Thomas (knee) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (ankle) will miss more time with their respective injuries. He declined to say whether injured reserve would be in the question for either of the former Pro Bowlers.

–Field Level Media

Oct 29, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) evades a tackle by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Tony Brown (38) during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Saints WR Michael Thomas charged with pair of misdemeanors

Posted on | by Field Level Media

All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas is facing a pair of misdemeanor charges after an alleged altercation with a construction worker in Kenner, La.

The New Orleans Saints star was arrested Friday night when the worker, part of a crew building a house in Thomas’ neighborhood, said Thomas began yelling at him and then threatened him about parking in front of his house, Kenner police said in a statement.

When the construction worker started to record what was happening, Thomas became upset and threw a brick at the worker’s parked truck but caused “little if any damage,” per the police statement. Thomas also knocked the phone out of the worker’s hands and shoved him, per police.

Thomas, 30, was charged with simple battery and criminal mischief, both misdemeanors. He was released about three hours after his arrest and was cooperative, police in Kenner said.

The Saints said they were aware of the incident and were looking into it.

Thomas is in his eighth season with the Saints, who picked him with the No. 47 overall selection of the 2016 NFL Draft. He recorded consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in his first four years in the league, culminating with 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns in 2019, when he was named Offensive Player of the Year.

This season, he has appeared in nine games (six starts) with 38 catches for 439 yards.

The Saints (5-4) lead the NFC South and will play Sunday at the Minnesota Vikings (5-4).

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Saints restructure WR Michael Thomas’ deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Wide receiver Michael Thomas agreed to a restructured contract with the New Orleans Saints, ESPN reported.

Thomas signed a five-year, $96.25 million extension in July 2019 but has dealt with injuries ever since, including missing the entire 2021 season.

Thomas, 29, has recorded just 56 catches in 10 games since setting an NFL record with 149 receptions in 2019.

He is under contract with the Saints through 2024. According to the report, his 2023 base salary will be reduced from $15.5 million to $1.165 million while adding a $31.755 million roster bonus for the 2024 league year.

Thomas also received a signing bonus of about $900,000 this week, the equivalent to one extra game check based on his 2022 salary of $15.35 million, per the report.

With the restructured deal, the team adds more than $14 million in cap flexibility. The Saints are currently projected to be “tens of millions” of dollars over the cap, according to the report.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Thomas has 526 catches for 6,121 yards and 35 touchdowns in 73 games (65 starts) since being drafted by New Orleans in the second round in 2016.

Thomas played in only the first three games this season, catching 16 passes for 171 yards and three scores.

–Field Level Media

Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Saints WR Michael Thomas (toe) likely done for season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas will undergo toe surgery and the team doesn’t expect him to play again this season.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Thursday that Thomas would land on injured reserve. Thomas is scheduled to have surgery on his dislocated second toe. Allen said he didn’t know an exact timeline but doubts Thomas will return this season.

“The toe did not respond how we were hoping,” Allen said. “It hadn’t healed the way everybody was kind of hoping that it would. … I don’t anticipate he’ll be able to return this year.”

Thomas had already missed five games with the injury. He hasn’t played since Week 3. Thomas was off to a hot start, catching 16 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns. He missed all of 2021.

Thomas played in just seven games in 2020 due to ankle and hamstring injuries. He waited until June 2021 to have ankle surgery, a decision that put the kibosh on the 2021 season and infuriating Saints management in the process.

Thomas, 28, is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro. He set the league’s single-season record in 2019 with 149 receptions for a league-best 1,725 yards.

Thomas signed a five-year, $96.3 million contract extension in 2019.

–Field Level Media

Sep 25, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) throws the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Saints’ Jameis Winston back at practice; Michael Thomas sits

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterback Jameis Winston returned to practice for New Orleans on Wednesday but Michael Thomas was among a host of Saints — including all three starting wideouts — sidelined in the first practice of the week.

Both Winston (back, ankle) and Thomas (foot) missed the Saints’ past two games with their respective injuries. Winston was reportedly playing through four fractured vertebrae before being sidelined.

Andy Dalton has gone 1-1 as the starter in place of Winston.

While Winston was listed as limited in practice, six other players joined Thomas on the did-not-participate list: WRs Deonte Harty (foot), Jarvis Landry (ankle) and rookie Chris Olave (concussion), cornerback Marshon Lattimore (abdomen), defensive end Payton Turner (chest) and tackle Calvin Throckmorton (hip).

Thomas, Olave and Landry all start for the Saints. Tre’Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway were the only healthy wideouts on the 53-man roster at practice Wednesday. Landry also missed last week’s game.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen wouldn’t make any predictions on whether Winston will be back under center this week against visiting Cincinnati.

“It’s another step in the right direction,” Allen said.

Winston is 1-2 as the starter this season, completing 63.5 percent of his passes for 858 yards. He has four touchdowns against five interceptions.

Dalton has thrown for 423 yards, with two touchdowns and one pick in two games.

–Field Level Media

Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) celebrates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Saints’ Michael Thomas out, Jameis Winston doubtful vs. Vikings

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Wide receiver Michael Thomas won’t play Sunday for the New Orleans Saints against the Minnesota Vikings, and quarterback Jameis Winston is doubtful.

Head coach Dennis Allen had a grim injury update on Friday from London, where the two teams will meet in the first international game of the 2022 season.

Allen said Thomas will be sidelined with a foot injury, and back and ankle injuries likely will keep Winston from playing. Veteran Andy Dalton would start in his place.

“I think it’s doubtful that Jameis plays in the game, and so our plan right now is to have Andy ready to go,” Allen said. “We’ll see how things go overnight, but Andy will be ready to go if that’s the direction that we go.”

The Saints also have ruled out guard Andrus Peat (concussion) and safety Marcus Maye (ribs). Wide receiver Jarvis Landry (ankle) and running back Alvin Kamara (ribs) are questionable.

Winston, 28, has led the Saints to a 1-2 record this season. He’s completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 858 yards with four touchdowns. He’s thrown five interceptions, which ties him for the league lead.

A two-time All-Pro, the 29-year-old Thomas has 16 receptions for 171 yards with three touchdown catches in the first three games of the season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 25, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) is sacked by Carolina Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn (21) in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Saints’ Jameis Winston, Michael Thomas sit out practice again

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Michael Thomas did not practice for a second straight day on Thursday in London.

Despite consecutive absences, Winston (back, ankle) still is expected to be under center when the Saints (1-2) “host” the Minnesota Vikings (2-1) on Sunday.

“I think they’re just making what was the best decision for him (Thursday), and then obviously it was a plan last week kind of where he was going to be limited throughout the week, and so we’ll see where we are at (on Friday),” Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael said. “But it was just part of the plan as the day unfolded.

“I think the plan was just kind of see where he was at day to day and then see if we could get him out there. So hopefully, that happens (on Friday).

While Winston and Thomas (foot) sat out for the second straight day, wide receiver Jarvis Landry (ankle), guard Andrus Peat (concussion) and tackle Ryan Ramczyk (rest) were listed as limited in practice on Thursday.

Like Wednesday, Andy Dalton took first-team reps and would be in line to get the start should Winston be unable to play on Sunday. Winston injured his back in New Orleans’ 27-26 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener on Sept. 11 before tweaking his ankle last week in practice.

Winston, 28, has completed 73 of 115 passes for 858 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions in three games this season.

Dalton, 34, has yet to throw a pass this season. He completed 149 of 236 attempts for 1,515 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions in eight games last season for the Chicago Bears.

Thomas, 29, is nursing a foot injury sustained in Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. The three-time Pro Bowl selection has 16 catches for 171 yards and a team-leading three receiving touchdowns this season.

Defensive end Marcus Davenport (shoulder), wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith (concussion) and safety J.T. Gray (shoulder) turned in full practices on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday.

Running back Alvin Kamara (rib), cornerback Paulson Adebo (ankle), safety Marcus Maye (rib), wide receiver Deonte Harty (foot) and tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) were limited in Thursday’s practice.

–Field Level Media

Sep 25, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) looks to pass in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Saints’ Jameis Winston, Michael Thomas not spotted at practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Michael Thomas were absent from practice on Wednesday in London.

Andy Dalton took first-team reps and versatile jack-of-all-trades Taysom Hill also took snaps at quarterback in place of Winston, who is nursing both back and ankle injuries. Winston injured his back in New Orleans’ 27-26 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener on Sept. 11 before tweaking his ankle last week in practice.

Head coach Dennis Allen said he expects Winston to practice Thursday.

Winston, 28, has completed 73 of 115 passes for 858 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions in three games this season for the Saints (1-2), who “host” the Minnesota Vikings (2-1) on Sunday.

Dalton, 34, has yet to throw a pass this season. He completed 149 of 236 attempts for 1,515 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions in eight games last season for the Chicago Bears.

Hill, 32, was ruled inactive for New Orleans’ 22-14 loss to the host Carolina Panthers last Sunday. He had been nursing an injury to his ribs.

He has yet to throw a pass in two games this season. He has seven rushes for 95 yards and a touchdown and one catch for two yards while playing as a tight end.

Hill threw for a career-high 979 yards to go along with four touchdowns and five interceptions in 2021.

Thomas, 29, is nursing a toe injury sustained in Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. The three-time Pro Bowl selection had 16 catches for 171 yards and a team-leading three receiving touchdowns this season.

–Field Level Media