The New Orleans Saints are eager to bounce back this Sunday after their setback against the Dallas Cowboys, but they could potentially have to do so without top wideout Michael Thomas.

The Saints' star wide receiver did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, according to the team's official injury report.

Thomas is having an incredibly productive season. Through 12 games this season, he’s recorded 91 catches, 1,120 yards, eight touchdowns and is on pace to set new career-highs in all three categories.

Although, Thomas’ production has slowed down in the past two games as opposing defenses have made a more concerted effort to keep him quiet. He’s been limited to just nine catches for 78 yards in those two games, and an ankle injury won’t do his chances of bouncing back much good.

The Saints are still pretty short at wide receiver at the moment. Rookie Tre’Quan Smith is their next leading receiver, while veteran signing Brandon Marshall has yet to play a game after arriving three weeks ago. Two young and unheralded receivers in Keith Kirkwood and Dan Arnold have also contributed in spots.

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JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

Thomas’ absence will be a significant blow given his importance to the team’s offense. Although, it will help that the Saints will be up against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that continues to be among the worst in the league.

If Thomas does miss out, the Saints offense will likely lean more heavily on the running back tandem of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram as Drew Brees' main weapons.