Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas will reportedly miss 2-4 weeks as he recovers from a high ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 1.

Fantasy Impact

High ankle sprains are notorious for lingering. Thomas is as tough as they come and will try to get back on the field as soon as possible, but coming back too early can increase his likelihood of reinjury. This is a tough break for those that took him in the first round, but he should be back in a few weeks. In the meantime, expect Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook to see upticks in targets and usage.

Saints WR Michael Thomas (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 2 against the Raiders.

Fantasy Impact

Thomas was given a “glimmer of hope” to play on Monday night, but he won’t push it and play against the Raiders in Week 2. He’ll have an opportunity to play in Week 3, but that’s not a guarantee given the severity of a high ankle sprain. Jared Cook and Tre’Quan Smith could see additional opportunities Monday night.

Saints WR Michael Thomas was not spotted during the open portion of practice on Saturday.

Fantasy Impact

Thomas was reportedly feeling "fantastic" just a day ago but failed to practice Thursday, Friday and now Saturday. He is not trending in the right direction to be able to play on Monday night and fantasy owners should probably make contingency plans.

Despite reports that deemed Saints WR Michael Thomas’ high ankle sprain a multi-week injury, sources say there is a “glimmer of hope” the star WR suits up Monday night vs. the Raiders.

Fantasy Impact

Thomas reportedly “felt fantastic” at practice Thursday and the team was pleasantly surprised at his progress and conditioning coming of the high ankle sprain suffered in Week 1. While still unlikely to play Monday night vs. the Raiders, there’s still a small chance he can take the field in Week 2. Unless you can swap another wide receiver or flex for Thomas that also plays in the Monday night game, it’ll be difficult to use a “wait-and-see approach” since he does play in the final game of Week 2.

Saints' stud WR Michael Thomas' high ankle sprain is reportedly worse than originally thought and he is now expected to miss at least several weeks.

Fantasy Impact

Thomas has expressed his desire to play through the ailment, though that doesn't seem likely to happen with the Saints' contending for a Super Bowl. The All-Pro wideout will now begin rehab with the hopes of returning in a few weeks. Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook figure to be the main beneficiary of Thomas' absence with Tre'Quan Smith seeing more involvement in the Saints' passing game.