New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is expected to miss at least two more weeks before he's ready for his season debut, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Thomas began the campaign on the physically unable to perform list, making him eligible to return after Week 6. He's recovering from surgery on an ankle that never fully healed after he sprained it early in the 2020 season.
The Saints have been waiting to reintroduce Thomas, the NFL's leading receiver in 2019 and the record holder for receptions in a single campaign. New Orleans' offense has labored without him, as the team ranks 31st in passing yards per game.
The ankle ailment limited Thomas to seven appearances last year. He posted 438 yards without a touchdown, marking the first time in his career he failed to reach 1,000 yards.
Thomas and the Saints were reportedly at odds over the timing of his June surgery, but they met to clear the air prior to the season. Head coach Sean Payton said in August that Thomas' recovery was ahead of schedule.
The 3-2 Saints will face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7.