It doesn't look like Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas will play on Sunday due to a hamstring injury. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Saints' Michael Thomas a 'long shot' for Sunday's game vs. Panthers

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 10/23/20

Things were looking good for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas earlier this week. However, he suffered a setback during practice on Wednesday, tweaking his hamstring at the start of drills.

The 27-year-old previously suffered an ankle injury that kept him out three weeks. He was then disciplined for punching teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson and wasn't in the Saints lineup for Week 5.

With his latest hamstring injury, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes it's a "long shot" for Thomas to play this week against the Carolina Panthers. If he sits out, it'll be his fifth straight game on the sideline.

From @GMFB: #Saints WR Michael Thomas tweaked his hamstring right at the start of practice on Wednesday, making him a long-shot to play Sunday. Another setback for New Orleans' star. pic.twitter.com/9QXCDcuEU0
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2020

The Saints, who are 3-2 on the season, have struggled to find consistency on offense without the NFL's reigning Offensive Player of the Year. However, veteran quarterback Drew Brees has begun to develop a connection with Emmanuel Sanders and Tre'Quan Smith in Thomas' absence.

With New Orleans' woes and disciplinary issues with Thomas, many have begun to speculate whether or not the Saints will trade him ahead of the deadline. Some have speculated that the New England Patriots will be interested in the receiver, though no trade rumors have officially been confirmed by any credible football reporters.

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