New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas reportedly played through a torn deltoid and injured ligaments in his high ankle in their divisional-round tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After absorbing a tough loss, Thomas will now have surgeries to aid him in his recovery from his injuries, via ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.
Thomas reportedly chose to play through the pain as he didn't want to miss out on quarterback Drew Brees' likely swan song in this year's playoffs.
Saints’ WR Michael Thomas is likely to have surgeries on both the torn deltoid and other injured ligaments in his high ankle this offseason, per source. He knew it was likely Drew Brees’ last year and didn’t want to miss out trying win a Super Bowl with him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2021
Schefter also reported that Thomas often wouldn't practice all week, yet would still suit up for the Saints during games. The team's coaching staff admitted that they were still better with him on the field even with the injuries than to be incomplete without him.
Michael Thomas often wouldn’t practice all week, yet would still play in games, at much less than 100%, and with pain medication. The coaches told him even as injured as he was, they were much better off with him than without him. But now will need surgery. https://t.co/9YdSgVVbRW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2021
Thomas has gone through a down year after coming off a career-best season in 2019 with the Saints where he made history with 149 receptions. He was only limited to appear in seven regular-season games and recorded totals of 438 receiving yards on 40 receptions without a touchdown scored.
In the divisional round against the Buccaneers, the opposing secondary capitalized on the health of Thomas and limited him to have 0 catches on four targets from Brees.
The Saints desperately needed production from the three-time Pro Bowler, especially in the scoring department. However, the team eventually ran out of time to mount a comeback late in the game to succumb to a 30-20 defeat against the Buccaneers.
Michael Thomas will have a crucial offseason as he prepares to bounce back from an injury-riddled campaign and get back on track in 2021.
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