NEW ORLEANS, La. (WDSU) — New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas delayed having surgery during the 2020 NFL season in hopes of helping veteran quarterback Drew Brees and the team reach the Super Bowl in what is believed to be Brees’ final NFL season.
Adam Schefter with ESPN reports Thomas will likely now have surgeries to fix both a torn deltoid and ligaments in his ankle.
Michael Thomas often wouldn’t practice all week, yet would still play in games, at much less than 100%, and with pain medication. The coaches told him even as injured as he was, they were much better off with him than without him. But now will need surgery. https://t.co/9YdSgVVbRW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2021
Thomas suffered a high ankle injury in the Saints week 1 victory over Tampa Bay, causing him to miss six straight games.
During that six game stretch, he was also dealing with a hamstring issue and was suspended for one game.
Due to the injury, Thomas had his most ineffective season as a pro, catching only 1 touchdown pass.
In 2019 Thomas signed a 5-year contract worth $100 million making him the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL.
Thomas was the NFL offensive player of the year in 2019.
On Sunday, the Saints were eliminated from the NFL post season in the divisional round, losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-20.
While nothing is official, many close to the New Orleans Saints have confirmed to WDSU they believe Drew Brees will retire this offseason following 20 years in the NFL and 15 years spent with the New Orleans Saints.
