As the wait continues on just when Michael Thomas will receive the green light to make a return to action, he at the least may not be ready to feature in the New Orleans Saints’ mandatory minicamp.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen noted on Thursday that as it stands, Thomas is “doubtful” to take part in the team's minicamp schedule next week. In the big picture, Allen aims to see the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver at 100 percent before being cleared to return to the field.

“I'm good with where Mike Thomas is,” Allen said. “I would much rather him be 100% healthy and out here and all those kinds of things, but that's not where we're at right now. He is busting his tail to get himself ready to go, and I feel like he's making significant progress.

“I think mentally he's in a great place. And, again, we're just going to let that process play out and get him healthy. And look, we have a long time to go before we play a game.”

Thomas did not play in a single game for the Saints over the 2021 regular season. He underwent left ankle surgery last June, which came as the team preferred to have seen him agree to the operation “earlier” in the year. In November, the Saints opted to rule him out for the remainder of their campaign after he suffered a setback in his injury rehab.

Overall, the Saints are hoping to soon have Thomas catch passes from quarterback Jameis Winston. Allen noted last month that he aspires to see the veteran wideout be cleared in time to feature in the team’s training camp schedule.

New Orleans will conclude its third week of OTAs on Friday.