Michael Thomas WR FA Tue 9/27/16 1:05 AM
Michael Thomas
WR FA
Thomas caught seven passes (on 11 targets) for 71 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's loss to the Falcons.
EDGE Analysis
Thomas entered Monday's game with added opportunity in light of teammate Willie Snead's (toe) injury absence, and responded by scoring his first career touchdown with a three-yard catch during the second quarter. The former Ohio State standout's 11 targets and seven receptions both tied with tight end Coby Fleener for the Saints' team-lead Monday, when his numbers across the board marked the best outing of his young career. Even given the vast array of targets in New Orleans' offense, Thomas already appears to be one of the better rookie receiving options this season.
Michael Thomas WR FA Mon 9/19/16 10:14 AM
Michael Thomas
WR FA
Thomas made four catches on five targets for 56 yards in Sunday's loss to the Giants.
EDGE Analysis
Although Willie Snead and Brandin Cooks saw the majority of the targets, Thomas followed up his impressive debut with another solid performance in Week 2. As the Saints' No. 3 wide receiver, he played on 60 percent of the team's offensive snaps, according to Josh Katzenstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Quarterback Drew Brees is known for spreading the ball around to his pass catchers, so Thomas, like any Saints' weapon, is liable to post a dud or two, but if his early season usage is any indication, Thomas should continue to be a dependable fantasy option in all leagues.
Michael Thomas WR FA Mon 9/12/16 10:44 AM
Michael Thomas
WR FA
Thomas caught all six of his targets for 58 yards in Sunday's season opening loss to the Raiders.
EDGE Analysis
Although he didn't rack up big yardage totals like starting receivers Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead, who combined for 15 catches and 315 yards against a slow-footed Oakland secondary, Thomas nonetheless impressed in his rookie debut. He was also Johnny-on-the-spot at a critical juncture in the fourth quarter, as he hustled down the field to recover a Snead fumble that set up a late score. With Brandon Coleman failing to garner even a single target, it's clear that Thomas is the Saints' preferred No. 3 receiver, a potentially valuable role with Drew Brees and the offense looking sharp in the opener. Thomas should be on the fantasy radar in a favorable Week 2 tilt on the road against the Giants.
Michael Thomas WR FA Sun 9/11/16 11:45 AM
Michael Thomas
WR FA
Thomas (ankle) is listed as active Sunday against the Raiders.
EDGE Analysis
Thomas emerged on Thursday's injury report as a limited practice participant, which he repeated Friday. Likely a precautionary measure, the Saints' 2016 second-round selection finds himself embedded within a crowded receiving corps composed of Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, and Brandon Coleman.
Michael Thomas WR FA Sun 9/11/16 7:14 AM
Michael Thomas
WR FA
Thomas (ankle) will play Sunday against Oakland, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
EDGE Analysis
Thomas was limited in practice both Thursday and Friday, though the injury was never considered serious. The rookie is expected to be the Saints' no. 3 wideout, a spot that can still be quite productive with Drew Brees under center.
Michael Thomas WR FA Fri 9/9/16 4:28 PM
Michael Thomas
WR FA
Thomas (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Oakland, NOLA.com's Josh Katzenstein reports.
EDGE Analysis
A late addition to the injury report, Thomas was a limited practice participant both Thursday and Friday. His injury is believed to be minor, but the possibility of an absence or reduced snap count cannot entirely be ruled out. If he does suit up, as expected, Thomas will operate as the No. 3 wide receiver in his first NFL game.
Michael Thomas WR FA Fri 9/9/16 3:13 PM
Michael Thomas
WR FA
Thomas (ankle) took part in the portion of Friday's practice that was open to the media, ESPN's Mike Triplett reports
EDGE Analysis
Added to the injury report as a limited participant Thursday, the rookie wide receiver is believed to be dealing with a minor issue. There will be another update on Thomas later Friday when the Saints release their injury report.
Michael Thomas WR FA Thu 9/8/16 7:45 PM
Michael Thomas
WR FA
Thomas was limited in Thursday's practice due to an ankle issue.
EDGE Analysis
It is unclear when the Thomas sustained the injury, but it is his first day listed on the team's injury report. Given his limited practice time Thursday, his status for Sunday's season opener against the Raiders is now somewhat unclear. He currently projects as the fourth receiver on the team's depth chart. Tommylee Lewis would benefit if Thomas is unable to go.
Michael Thomas WR FA Sat 8/27/16 12:08 AM
Michael Thomas
WR FA
Thomas caught his only target for a 23-yard gain in Friday's preseason game against the Steelers.
EDGE Analysis
While his only target came from Luke McCown's hand, Thomas did mix in with the first-team offense while Drew Brees was still in the game. Brandon Coleman had a similarly middling evening, catching two passes for 20 yards, with both targets coming from No. 3 quarterback Garrett Grayson. The second-round rookie remains a strong favorite for No. 3 wide receiver duties, whereas Coleman may not even be a lock to make the final roster.
Michael Thomas WR FA Wed 8/24/16 11:47 AM
Michael Thomas
WR FA
Head coach Sean Payton has "high expectations" for Thomas, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com. "Listen, I think he's gonna contribute early," said Payton. "I don't follow fantasy football, but shoot, I'd try to have him. I think he's gonna do well."
EDGE Analysis
Given the rave reviews Thomas has drawn throughout training camp, he's likely earned the right to start the season as the Saints' No. 3 wide receiver, ahead of Brandon Coleman. Fantasy owners should still likely temper their expectations for Thomas in his rookie season -- Drew Brees typically spreads the ball among many receivers and the Saints have a number of able pass catchers, such as Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, and Coby Fleener -- but Thomas' upside in the Saints' aerial attack make him worthy of a roster spot in nearly all league formats.