New Orleans Saints Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
ArticlesNFLBy Ben Axelrod on

Michael Thomas’ turbulent 2023 season took another turn on Tuesday with the New Orleans Saints placing the two-time All-Pro wide receiver on injured reserve with a knee injury, according to Brooke Kirchhofer.

As a result, Thomas will miss at least the Saints’ next four matchups, including games against the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers and New York Giants.

The Ohio State product reportedly suffered the injury in New Orleans’ Week 10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Following the game, Saints head coach Dennis Allen referred to the injury as “fairly significant” as New Orleans entered its bye week with a 5-5 record.

Appearing in 10 games this season, the 30-year-old Thomas has tallied 39 catches for 448 yards and one touchdown.

The NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2019, Thomas has seen his production dip over the course of the past three seasons, with injuries limiting him to a total of 10 games between 2020-2022. Ahead of the Saints’ Week 10 matchup with the Vikings, the three-time Pro Bowl selection was arrested on simple battery and criminal mischief charges.

Between Thomas’ injury and New Orleans having the ability to cut him next offseason, it’s fair to wonder whether he’s played his final game for the franchise. Following the news that the Saints were placing him on IR, many took to social media to weigh in.

https://twitter.com/BryanTNR/status/1727074818888274340

[Brooke Kirchhofer on X]

About Ben Axelrod

Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.

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