While Drew Brees will be back for the Saints this week, he will not have his top target available. The Saints have ruled Michael Thomas out for their Week 15 game against the Chiefs.
The first half of Thomas’ season wound up marred by multiple injuries and a team-imposed suspension, but the All-Pro wide receiver returned in Week 9 and has not missed time since. More ankle trouble, however, will keep the fifth-year star on the sidelines Sunday.
Thomas did not practice this week. He entered this season as one of the NFL’s most dependable wideouts, having missed just two games in four years. Taysom Hill targeted Thomas frequently during his four starts, with two of those producing 100-plus-yard games. Last week, Thomas caught eight passes for 84 yards. He will enter the Saints’ Christmas game — should he be cleared to return by next week — without a touchdown reception.
This is a clear blow for a Saints team that is a rare home underdog against the 12-1 Chiefs. The 10-3 Saints losing Sunday would likely prevent them from securing the NFC’s bye. New Orleans, however, won four straight games without Thomas earlier this year — and two of those victories came with Emmanuel Sanders out as well — but the Chiefs are a tougher beat than any team the Saints have defeated this season.