Saints released TE David Thomas. The Saints also waived 2011 third-rounder CB Johnny Patrick. Jimmy Graham's backup, Thomas was due just $1.7 million between salary and bonuses, but is going on 30. Thomas is three whole seasons removed from posting a career-high 35 catches for 356 yards in 2009. The Saints will presumably look for a more athletic handcuff for Graham.

Saints No. 2 TE David Thomas missed Thursday's game with a knee injury. Thomas sustained the injury in Week 11 versus the 49ers. Promoted from the practice squad, Michael Higgins played in two-tight end sets with Jimmy Graham, catching one pass for -3 yards.

David Thomas caught two passes for 27 yards and a touchdown in Week 7 against the Bucs. Thomas started in place of the injured Jimmy Graham (ankle) and saw four targets on the afternoon. He wasn't heard from until late in the second quarter, but he beat Bucs rookie LB Lavonte David for a 20-yard score to put the Saints up 28-21. Thomas will be relegated back to a bench role if Graham returns in Week 8, as expected.

Saints TE David Thomas will start Sunday's game against the Bucs. Jimmy Graham (ankle) is inactive. Thomas, a sluggish 6'3/248 backup-caliber pass-catcher, is a desperation fantasy play only. The Saints won't be calling the same plays to Thomas they would to Graham and he's not even a lock to play every down. Thomas hasn't caught more than two balls in a game since 2010.

Saints TE David Thomas (concussions) has resumed practicing vigorously. The two concussions Thomas sustained during the 2011 season left him so sensitive to light and sound that he had trouble even playing with his kids. But after visiting six top neurological specialists, he's been cleared to resume his playing career. Thomas projects as Jimmy Graham's direct backup.

Saints TE David Thomas flew around the country to visit six specialists after a pair of concussions ended his 2011 season. "It was all very encouraging, very positive," said Thomas, who wanted assurance that it was OK to continue his career. Just after missing five weeks with his first concussion, Thomas sustained another concussion in mid-November, ending his season. The Saints' No. 2 tight end says he's felt good since the offseason began.

Saints TE David Thomas (concussions) is expected back healthy this season. After suffering a concussion in Week 3 last season, Thomas returned in Week 9, but was placed on Injured Reserve a week later, likely due to a relapse. Although it was fair to wonder about his future in the league, all signs point to him making a full recovery in time for the 2012 season.

Saints placed TE David Thomas (undisclosed) on injured reserve, ending his season. Thomas left the Saints' Nov. 13 game with an unspecified injury in his first game back after missing over a month with concussion symptoms. It's quite possible that Thomas suffered a relapse in Week 10, leaving his future in question.

Saints No. 2 TE David Thomas played in Week 9 for the first time since sustaining a concussion in Week 3. Coach Sean Payton noted that he was "turning the corner" several times in the past few weeks, but Thomas had to pass the full concussion protocol before returning. It's a reminder that there is never a true recovery timetable for a player dealing with concussion symptoms.

David Thomas (concussion) is inactive for the Saints' Week 7 game against the Colts. He returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since Week 3, and the Saints don't need to rush him back before he's ready. QB Sean Canfield, DB Johnny Patrick, LB Will Herring, OT Zach Strief, WR Adrian Arrington, and DE Turk McBride join him on the inactive list.