New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas suffered a high ankle sprain in the final minutes of his team's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1, which usually sidelines a player for three-to-four weeks.

However, ahead of the Saints' matchup at the Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans has a sliver of faith that their All-Pro wideout can take the field for the official opening of Allegiant Stadium on Monday Night Football.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Saints have been pleasantly surprised by Thomas' progress this week.

“Despite his high ankle sprain, Saints WR Michael Thomas ‘felt fantastic' at practice Wednesday and there’s a ‘little glimmer of hope' he can play Monday night, per source,” Schefter tweeted. “It’s still unlikely, but the Saints were pleased and surprised at Thomas’ progress and condition Wednesday.”

ESPN's Diana Russini added that she's “Been hearing the last few days from Nola they are really keeping their fingers crossed he keeps getting better.”

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On Tuesday, ESPN's Mike Triplett reported that Thomas was “week to week” with the ankle sprain. The Saints discussed placing Thomas on injured reserve, which would automatically sideline him for at least three weeks, but Thomas' optimism about playing sooner convinced them otherwise.

While Thomas is still unlikely to play on Monday, he is clearly progressing at an expedited rate.

Thomas has missed one game in his career for injury, during his rookie season in 2016. In 2019, he set the NFL single-season record with 149 catches, tallying 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns.

Last Sunday, New Orleans was able to pull out a comfortable 34-23 win over the Buccaneers despite Thomas having his least productive statline (three catches, 17 yards) in three years, and a subpar performance from QB Drew Brees.