Thomas (illness) is active for Sunday's game in Detroit, the Saints' official site reports. After dealing with a seemingly minor illness to conclude the week, Thomas' value is taking hit due to the return of the do-everything Mark Ingram (hand). At the very least, Thomas should be a factor in the passing game. With an average of five targets per game this season, he could prosper against a Lions defense that has given up 31 catches (on 44 targets) for 291 yards across six outings.

Thomas (illness) is probable for Sunday's game against Detroit even though he did not practice Friday. Thomas is evidently dealing with a very manageable illness, as he sat out practice Thursday and Friday, yet the Saints still gave him the 'probable' tag. Thomas' already shaky consistency might be harmed by the return of Mark Ingram (hand), in any case.

Thomas did not practice Thursday due to an illness, the Saints' official site reports. Linebacker Ronald Powell sat out with an illness as well, so perhaps there's a bug going around the team. Right now there is not a high level of concern about Thomas' status for Sunday's game against the Lions, but a missed practice Friday would certainly raise a red flag. We'll check back in after the Saints distribute Friday's injury report.

Thomas had four carries for 35 rushing yards and a touchdown, as well as eight catches on 10 targets for a team-high 77 yards and another score during Sunday's 37-31 win over the Buccaneers. Khiry Robinson continues to grab a vast majority of the carries (21 for 89 yards and a touchdown Sunday) in place of the injured Mark Ingram (hand), but Thomas keeps showing that he's a capable complement, though much more in the passing game than the rushing attack. Thomas now has two touchdowns in his last three games, though he could soon lose the few goal-line carries he does get, as Ingram is expected to return in Week 7 following a Week 6 bye.

Thomas was on the field for 23 of the Saints' 61 offensive snaps in Sunday night's loss to the Cowboys, reports ESPN.com, while Khiry Robinson and Travaris Cadet each took 18 snaps apiece. Despite taking the most snaps of any of the team's running backs with Mark Ingram still sidelined with an injury, Thomas was essentially invisible in Dallas, managing a mere four touches (two runs, two receptions), while Robinson led the Saints in rushing yards (87) and carries (eight), as he's done each of the last three weeks. The surprising development, however, was Cadet's involvement in the offense, as he set a career high in snaps, receptions (six) and total yards (60). While Cadet's solid performance may garner him additional playing time going forward, his increase in snaps was likely largely the result of the blowout nature of last week's game. Thomas should be expected to still see the majority of the snaps as long as Ingram is out, as well as remain the primary backfield receiver in New Orleans. Whether he's able to produce in that role, however, is another question, as both Thomas and the Saints' offense have been lethargic through the first quarter of the season.

Thomas had two catches for 15 yards on two targets, adding two carries for eight yards, in Sunday's 38-17 loss to the Cowboys. Teammate Travis Cadet, who previously had just one reception this season, caught six passes for 59 yards. Cadet entered the game before Thomas, who didn't get his first touch until the meaningless final play of the first half. It was a surprising development, as Thomas worked in tandem with Khiry Robinson last week, while Cadet barely saw the field. Thomas was sprinkled in during the second half of Sunday night's game, and Cadet lost a fumble in garbage time. It will be interesting to see if the Saints comment on the situation before next week's game against the Bucs. If there's no further clarity, Thomas will make for a risky option even in deep leagues.

Thomas had eight carries for 30 rushing yards and a touchdown, as well as three catches on three targets for 21 receiving yards Sunday against the Vikings. With Mark Ingram sidelined due to a hand injury, Khiry Robinson led the team with 18 carries, though Thomas got the goal-line carry in the first quarter. Combined with his ability to contribute in the passing game, Thomas should see a little bump in his fantasy value if he can grab the goal-line looks while Ingram is out.

With ESPN.com reporting that Mark Ingram could miss at least a month with a hand injury suffered in Sunday's loss to the Browns, Thomas could be in line for an increased workload. Ingram has started the year red hot, emphatically laying claim to the majority of the Saints' rushing workload, with Thomas serving in a more complimentary receiving role. While Thomas' duties as the primary receiving back will continue, it is expected that he will take on a larger share of the workload on the ground in Ingram's absence. Still, don't expect Thomas suddenly become a workhorse for the Saints. Khiry Robinson, a talented runner who impressed when pressed into action in last year's playoffs, should also see a number carries, quite possibly the majority, as well as much of the goal line work. But, with one less back to compete with for touches, Thomas' fantasy value deserves a bump in most leagues.

Thomas had three carries for 16 rushing yards and three catches on four targets for 21 receiving yards Sunday against the Browns. Thomas isn't expected to get too many carries this season, with Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson getting most of the looks out of the backfield, which leaves Thomas susceptible to any issues in the passing game, of which there were many Sunday. Possibly also concerning is that Ingram, who is not known to be much of a receiver, finished with more targets and receiving yards than Thomas. Thankfully for the Saints they return home next weekend to face the Vikings, and with quarterback Drew Brees' success in New Orleans, Thomas could have a bounce back game to help in many PPR leagues.

Thomas was in the game on 34 of the Saints' 75 offensive snaps in Sunday's loss in Atlanta, reports Mike Triplett of ESPN.com. Meanwhile, Mark Ingram took 20 snaps, and Travaris Cadet and Khiry Robinson each took 12, respectively. It's no surprise that the Saints' leaned heavily on the veteran Thomas in a heavily contested rivalry game, and Triplett expects a similar snap distribution all year. Thomas may not see too many touchdowns, as both Ingram and Robinson appear to be the preferred options around the goal line, but Thomas should continue to post plenty of catches with Darren Sproles now in Philadelphia, making him an asset in PPR leagues.