Michael Thomas’ 2020 season was derailed by injury, and he will begin the 2021 season on the sideline as he still tries to get healthy.

In 2019, Thomas was arguably the best receiver in the game, posting an NFL single-season record 149 catches while playing alongside Drew Brees. Thomas rounded out that campaign with 1,725 yards, nine touchdowns, and an average of 107.8 yards per game.

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Unfortunately, an early ankle injury limited his production last year. He appeared in just seven games with 40 catches for 438 yards without a touchdown. Now, he will continue to rest and rehab to start the 2021 season after having surgery in June.

According to a Friday report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Thomas originally tried to rehab his ankle injury after the season concluded. When those efforts were unsuccessful, he underwent surgery in June. Rapoport indicated the typical recovery time for that surgery is about four months.

On Monday, the Saints placed Thomas on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for training camp. That is expected to keep him sidelined until Week 7 of the NFL season.

It will be interesting to see if he is able to regain his form this season, especially without Brees under center in New Orleans.