Michael Thomas Sustains High Ankle Injury in Buccaneers Game and is Now Expected to Miss Several Weeks, per report

Michael Thomas sustained a high ankle injury in the Saints season opener against the Buccaneers on Sunday. The injury was considered to be nothing serious, but after a revaluation, the injury is more serious than we initially thought according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Pelissero reported that the star wide receiver is expected to miss several weeks as of Tuesday, September 14.

The injury occurred late in the game when Thomas got rolled up on teammate Alvin Kamara near the goal line. Thomas limped off the field and onto the sideline where he remained for the duration of the game. Although the Saint’s number one receiver remained sidelined the team prevailed and won 34-23 in an outstanding offensive showing by both Drew Bress and Alvin Kamara.

Last year, Thomas put up historic numbers by recording the most receptions in a single NFL season with 149. He was also able to rack up 1,725 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns, which only cemented his place as a top 3 receiver in the league. The 27-year-old was projected to have an even better season this year with projected receptions well above his 149 mark of last year.

For Fantasy owners, this is a major blow as Thomas was being drafted as the number one receiver in the first round. However, there is some upside for players like Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook who will automatically get more targets with Thomas being sidelined. Wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith will look to take on an even bigger role as the Saints interim number one receiver and will definitely be a high volume play in DFS and fantasy leagues.