Michael Thomas has been ruled out not due to injury, but because of an altercation on the practice field. Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Saints' Michael Thomas ruled out for punching teammate, not due to injury?

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 10/11/20

The New Orleans Saints really could use Michael Thomas on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he has been ruled out not due to injury, but because of an altercation on the practice field.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Thomas is being disciplined for punching teammate Chauncey Gardner-Johnson during a fight at practice.

#Saints star WR Michael Thomas punched teammate Chauncey Gardner-Johnson during a fight in practice, per sources. That’s why Thomas was ruled out for Monday’s game against the #Chargers for what the club is calling team discipline.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 11, 2020

Thomas has not played since Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 27-year-old suffered a high-ankle sprain and limped off the field in the fourth quarter of that game. It seemed like he was going to suit up during Week 5, but the altercation with Garnder-Johnson ruined any chance of that.

Before this season, Thomas missed just one game during his rookie campaign in 2016 with an unspecified foot injury.

Without Thomas, the Saints are 2-2 this season with losses to both the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers. They defeated the Detroit Lions during Week 4 and the Bucs in Week 1.

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