Saints two-time All-Pro WR Michael Thomas to start season on PUP list

The football community was surprised to learn Friday that New Orleans Saints two-time All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas will miss the start of the 2021 NFL season after undergoing ankle surgery to repair ligaments in June.

According to the Around the NFL staff, Thomas will begin the campaign on the physically unable to perform list, which will keep him out of action through the first six weeks of the season. The 28-year-old could be eligible to return for New Orleans' Week 7 game against the Seattle Seahawks coming off a bye week.

Thomas was limited to just seven games because of the ankle injury last season and recorded 40 receptions for 438 yards with zero touchdowns. It was the first time he was kept out of the end zone for an entire campaign. 

Thomas made Pro Bowl squads every year from 2017 through 2019 while catching passes thrown by future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, who officially retired last month. 

Former first-overall draft pick Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill are competing to replace Brees this summer.