Michael Thomas feeling 'fantastic,' not ruled out for 'MNF'

There were encouraging signs this week that suggest Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas may suit up in Week 2. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Saints' Michael Thomas 'felt fantastic' at practice, not ruled out for 'MNF'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/18/20

It was reported earlier this week that New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was expected to miss "Monday Night Football" against the Las Vegas Raiders. Now it seems like he could play after all.

Thomas reportedly "felt fantastic" at Thursday's practice, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, and there's a "glimmer of hope" that he could play through his injury on Monday.

*Thursday, not Wednesday (all days feel the same these days). Thomas “felt fantastic” Thursday. And he is known as a quick healer with unusual toughness. He’s one of those unique players who can return from injury sooner, whenever that turns out to be. https://t.co/uPvkDlhQz8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2020

The 27-year-old suffered a high ankle sprain in the Saints' 34-23 Week 1 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thomas limped off the field just before the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter after having his leg rolled into by Latavius Murray.

Because high ankle sprains can sideline players for three to four weeks, it was originally believed that Thomas would miss Monday's game against Las Vegas. While the Saints were questioning whether or not to place him on injured reserve, Thomas insisted he was fine.

If he misses Monday's game, it'll be just the second time in his career that he misses a game due to injury. Thomas missed just one game during his rookie season in 2016 with an unspecified foot injury.

Losing Thomas, who set an NFL record last season with 149 catches for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns, could end up being costly for the Saints.

If he does miss any amount of time, Emmanuel Sanders will be more heavily relied upon moving forward. Although the 33-year-old had just three receptions for 15 yards against the Buccaneers, he's among the most talented receivers in the NFL. However, he hasn't had a 1,000-yard receiving season since his 2016 campaign with the Denver Broncos.

The Saints and Raiders haven't met since 2016 -- a game New Orleans lost by one point despite Drew Brees throwing for 423 yards and four touchdowns. With the all-time series tied at 6-6-1, Monday night's game will be for bragging rights ... and a 2-0 record.

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