Thomas (ankle) has been ruled out for the Monday night matchup against the Raiders, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This always felt like the logical conclusion considering Thomas is expected to miss multiple weeks with a high left ankle sprain, but reports Thursday seemed to give the slightest of hope the star wideout would be available. With those thoughts dashed, New Orleans will turn to Emmanuel Sanders and Tre'Quan Smith to take on the bulk of the receiving work, with tight end Jared Cook, running backs Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray and gadget player extraordinaire Taysom Hill all figuring in the offense.

Thomas (ankle) didn't practice Friday.

EDGE Analysis

A Thursday report suggested Thomas was feeling much better and had a "glimmer of hope" to play in Monday's game at Las Vegas, but his continued absence from the practice field is considerably less promising. Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports that teammate Jared Cook has made two references to Thomas missing the upcoming game, so it appears the expectation around the team is that the superstar receiver will be out for at least one week. Given that he's dealing with a high-ankle sprain, a longer absence is also possible. Emmanuel Sanders and Tre'Quan Smith are preparing for larger roles, with Marquez Callaway and Deonte Harris representing the depth options at wide receiver. It could also be a busy week for Cook and Alvin Kamara.

Thomas (ankle) "felt fantastic" Thursday and there remains a "little glimmer of hope" he can play Monday at Las Vegas, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old was expected to miss several weeks after testing earlier this week showed his high-ankle sprain was worse than expected, but he's apparently made significant progress over the past couple days. Thomas didn't participate at Thursday's practice despite the improvement, but he has two more days to return to the field in some capacity. He still seems unlikely to be available for Week 2, but his outlook for the near future appears better than previously believed.

Thomas (ankle) was held out of practice Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas' lack of activity isn't a surprise because he's expected to be absent for multiple weeks as he tends to a high left ankle sprain. Consequently, the Saints will lean on Emmanuel Sanders, Jared Cook, Alvin Kamara and Tre'Quan Smith in the passing game.

Thomas is expected to miss several weeks after tests revealed that his high-ankle sprain is worse than expected, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

There were rumbles that Thomas may play through this injury, but those rumors have essentially been put to rest. If his injury is indeed serious enough to keep him out for multiple games, Thomas could be placed on IR, which would keep him out for at least three games. Emmanuel Sanders should be considered the Saints' No. 1 WR for the duration of Thomas' absence, and Tre'Quan Smith should enjoy an increase in usage as well.

Thomas suffered a high-ankle sprain during Sunday's 34-23 win over the Buccaneers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas reportedly believes the injury is something he can play through, so he can't yet be ruled out for next Monday's tilt in Las Vegas, but high-ankle issues have a notorious tendency to linger and curtail fantasy production. The superstar wideout was held to just three catches for 17 yards Week 1. If Thomas indeed is hampered for the near future or even forced to miss time, the Saints will count on Emmanuel Sanders and Tre'Quan Smith to pick up the slack at wide receiver.

Thomas caught three of five targets for 17 yards before injuring his ankle late in Sunday's 34-23 win over the Buccaneers, Mike Florio of NBC Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

A disappointing day for the receiver potentially got worse when Alvin Kamara rolled up on his lower leg in garbage time. Thomas was able to hobble off the field under his own power and appeared to be OK in the locker room after the win, but he wasn't examined by team trainers. Assuming he's healthy, he should be able to put together better numbers in Week 2 against a Raiders secondary that got torched for 115 yards and a TD by Robby Anderson in its opener.

Thomas connected with Drew Brees on some receptions early in Monday's practice, Amie Just of Nola.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The two veterans appear to be picking up right where they left off last season when Thomas set an NFL record with 149 receptions. Offseason addition Emmanuel Sanders might siphon away a few targets, but Thomas is still arguably the safest option available in fantasy drafts at wide receiver.

Thomas was voted the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

It's hard to argue against Thomas winning the hardware, though Carolina's Christian McCaffrey was certainly in contention among non-quarterbacks. Thomas set a new NFL record with 149 receptions this season, finishing with 1,725 receiving yards and nine touchdowns to boot in helping the Saints to a 13-3 record.

Thomas hauled in seven of eight targets for 70 yards in the Saints' 26-20 overtime loss to the Vikings on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas led the Saints in receiving, though he couldn't break out, compiling a pedestrian receiving line by his standards. He ends his fourth season in New Orleans with a lot of positive momentum on his side. After signing an enormous contract extension last off season, he delivered a historic campaign to Saints' brass, leading the league in receiving yards while catching an NFL-record 149 receptions. The Ohio State product has been unbelievably reliable since entering the league, and he should be an easy first-round fantasy pick in nearly all formats in 2020.