The New Orleans Saints desperately need another wide receiver, and help may be on the way. According to the latest NFL rumors, wide receiver Michael Thomas should be “close” to making his long-awaited return to the NFL field. In other news, Lamar Jackson missed practice with an illness, while Joe Mixon’s ankle injury is still bothering him.
NFL Rumors: Michael Thomas, Lamar Jackson, Joe Mixon
The New Orleans Saints had a Week 6 bye, which means that injured players have a free week to get back on their feet before taking the field. This is fantastic news for New Orleans, as superstar wide receiver Michael Thomas is currently on the physically unable to perform list. Thomas is eligible to return in Week 7 and, according to Nick Underhill, the wideout is “close” to returning to the field.
Tre’Quan and Mike Thomas should be close https://t.co/qtRbao7Ssl
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) October 15, 2021
For those that missed the drama, this injury stems from a high ankle sprain initially suffered in Week 1 of the 2020 season. Thomas rehabbed the injury naturally throughout 2020, as he wanted to get back on the field and help Drew Brees in his final season. However, during the offseason, Thomas waited until late July to actually get surgery. This infuriated Sean Payton, as the two sides were clearly not on the same page regarding the injury.
Fortunately, the Saints have found a way to stay afloat without Thomas. Despite having arguably the worst group of receivers in the league, New Orleans is a comfortable 3-2 and sits 1.5 games out of a division lead. While it’s hard to imagine this team usurping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South crown, Thomas could help them put together a run a wild card spot.
Lamar Jackson Misses Practice With Illness
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been one of the best all-around passers in the league, and he’s done it while playing sick. According to the latest practice reports, the dual-threat quarterback missed Thursday’s session with an illness.
Fortunately, it wasn’t COVID-related, so this was likely just a precaution heading into Week 6’s action. This isn’t the first time Jackson has missed practice with an illness, as the same thing happen back in Week 3. Barring something unforeseen, Jackson should be good to go when the Ravens take on the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Jackson is coming off arguably his best game of the year. Responsible for a massive comeback on Monday Night Football, the one-time league MVP completed 37 of his 42 passing attempts for 442 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions while adding another 62 yards on the ground for good measure.
Joe Mixon Out With Ankle Injury
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon played through his ankle injury in Week 5, but he’s clearly not feeling himself. According to official practice reports, the former second-round pick missed Thursday’s practice thanks to the lingering injury.
Mixon originally suffered the ailment in the later portions of Week 4’s Thursday night showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Seeing as he suited up last week, it’s safe to assume that he’ll play again in Week 6. While he probably won’t receive a full workload, but he should be effective when on the field.
Joe Mixon jukes his way in for the TD 👏
Bengals tie it up late after a successful 2-point conversion
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/MTUmFX91IL— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 10, 2021
With backup running back Samaje Perine on the COVID-19 list, this could mean that rookie Chris Evans will have a big role in Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions. While he’s no Captain America, the sixth-round pick has played adequately in limited opportunities, and his collegiate profile shows that he has a pretty solid set of hands. While Joe Burrow also battling a throat injury, don’t be surprised if Evans ends up seeing a good portion on the touches against the Lions.
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