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The New Orleans Saints are preparing for the return of an elite wide receiver.
Michael Thomas participated in 11-on-11 drills Saturday for the first time in nearly two years.
Thomas has been sidelined since the end of the 2020 season with an ankle injury, and suffered a setback during the 2021 season.
Head coach Dennis Allen said Thomas is gaining confidence in his ankle strength.
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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas works on passing drills during training camp on August 3, 2019 at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, La. (Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“Honestly, there were a couple of times he ended up on the floor,” Allen said, via ESPN.
“It’s all part of the process of building that confidence. I think he’s got a good mindset right now. I think he looks good physically. I’m excited about where he’s at.”
Thomas led the NFL in catches in 2018 and 2019, setting the NFL record for most receptions in a season (149) in 2019. He also led the NFL with 1,729 receiving yards that season and was named Offensive Player of the Year ‘Year.
Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints catches a 3-yard touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 24, 2019 in New Orleans. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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In each of his four NFL seasons, Thomas totaled at least 90 catches and 1,100 yards, with both numbers increasing each year. He has averaged 118 catches, 1,378 yards and eight touchdowns per season.
He played in just seven games in 2020 and last played on January 17, 2021 in the NFC Divisional Round against the eventual Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Thomas did not participate in OTAs in June but has been practicing, albeit on a limited basis, since the first day of training camp.
Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 13, 2020 in Philadelphia. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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The Saints will open the season in Atlanta against the Falcons, and Thomas will need to develop a relationship with quarterback Jameis Winston. Thomas last played when Drew Brees was still QB for the Saints.