Michael Thomas
#2 WR,
Saints
ACTUAL 2022
51 FPTS
RANK: 115
2023 SEASON
191 FPTS
RANK: 36
AGE
30 yrs
HEIGHT/WEIGHT
6'3'' / 212 lbs
COLLEGE
Ohio State
| SEASON | GP | FPTS | RANK | TARGET | RECPT | REYD | RETD | REAVE |
| 2023 | 14 | 191 | 36th | 108 | 77 | 850 | 5 | 11 |
| 2022 | 3 | 51 | 115th | 22 | 16 | 171 | 3 | 10.7 |
| 3yr Ave | 8 | 153 | 47th | 80 | 63 | 721 | 3 | 11.44 |
Logs six catches in second half
Published: 2023-09-24
Thomas gathered in 6 of 9 targets for 50 yards during Sunday's 18-17 loss against the Packers.
After being targeted twice during the first half, Thomas caught his final six targets from backup quarterback Jameis Winston, who had to step in during the third quarter for injured starter Derek Carr (shoulder). All six of the veteran wideout's receptions came during the fourth quarter as the Saints tried to defend the 17-0 lead they carried over from the first half. Thomas was a consistent short-to-intermediate target for Winston while second-year wideout Chris Olave helped stretch the field vertically. Olave finished as New Orleans' leading receiver in terms of yards (104) and targets (11), though he was targeted one fewer time than Thomas in the second half. Carr is believed to be dealing with an AC sprain in his right shoulder, per him, which shouldn't be season-ending but could cause him to miss time moving forward. Should Winston step in as QB1 over the next few weeks, then Thomas could stand to benefit while seeing more targets as a short-yardage security blanket behind Olave.
Fantasy Points by Week 2022
Weekly Stats 2022
| Fantasy Points | Betting | Receiving Stats | Routes Run | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WEEK | STADIUM | GAME | RANK | TARGET | SPREAD | O/U | TRGT | REC | YD | TD | AVG | AIR | YAC | DROP | 10+ | 20+ | 50+ | SHARE | SLOT | TIGHT | WIDE | |||
| 1 @ATL | Dome 77° | 22.7 | 8th | 4.54 | -6.0 | 42.5 | 8 | 5 | 57 | 2 | 11.4 | 10 | 1 | 17% | 2 | 2 | 0 | 25% | 17% | 0% | 83% | |||
| 2 TB | Dome 85° | 18.5 | 19th | 3.08 | 3.0 | 43.5 | 9 | 6 | 65 | 1 | 10.8 | 10 | 1 | 0% | 5 | 0 | 0 | 23% | 17% | 0% | 83% | |||
| 3 @CAR | Outdoor 69° | 9.9 | 47th | 1.98 | -2.5 | 40.5 | 5 | 5 | 49 | 0 | 9.8 | 8 | 2 | 0% | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13% | 17% | 0% | 83% | |||
Performance Splits: 2020 to 2022
| Fantasy Points | Receiving Averages | |||||||||||||||||
| LOCATION | STADIUM | GP | GS | GM | TOUCH | RANK | TRGT | REC | YD | TD | AVE | AIR | YAC | DROP | 10+ | 20+ | 50+ | |
| Home | Dome | 4 | 4 | 3.0 | 1.43 | 6th | 8.3 | 5.0 | 53 | 0.3 | 10.7 | 9.0 | 1.7 | 5% | 2.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | |
| Away | Outdoor | 4 | 3 | 2.9 | 1.82 | 12th | 6.3 | 5.5 | 59 | 0.0 | 10.6 | 8.5 | 2.2 | 0% | 2.5 | 1.0 | 0.0 | |
| Away | Retractable Dome | 2 | 1 | 10.6 | 2.22 | 16th | 9.5 | 7.0 | 81 | 1.0 | 11.6 | 10.1 | 1.5 | 7% | 3.5 | 1.0 | 0.0 | |
Career Stats by Season: 2016 to 2022
| Fantasy Points | Receiving Stats | Routes Run | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | GP | GS | TOTAL | RANK | TRGT | REC | YD | TD | AVG | AIR | YAC | DROP | 10+ | 20+ | 50+ | SHARE | SLOT | TIGHT | WIDE | ||
| 2016 | 23 | NO | 15 | 12 | 256 | 7th | 121 | 92 | 1,137 | 9 | 12.4 | 7 | 5 | 4% | 48 | 18 | 0 | 18% | 12% | 0% | 88% | ||
| 2017 | 24 | NO | 16 | 14 | 259 | 6th | 149 | 104 | 1,245 | 5 | 12.0 | 8 | 4 | 3% | 50 | 22 | 0 | 28% | 19% | 0% | 81% | ||
| 2018 | 25 | NO | 16 | 16 | 316 | 6th | 147 | 125 | 1,405 | 9 | 11.2 | 7 | 4 | 2% | 53 | 17 | 1 | 29% | 25% | 0% | 75% | ||
| 2019 | 26 | NO | 16 | 15 | 375 | 1st | 185 | 149 | 1,725 | 9 | 11.6 | 8 | 4 | 4% | 73 | 17 | 0 | 33% | 25% | 0% | 75% | ||
| 2020 | 27 | NO | 7 | 5 | 84 | 189th | 55 | 40 | 438 | 0 | 11.0 | 9 | 2 | 2% | 19 | 5 | 0 | 11% | 22% | 0% | 78% | ||
| 2022 | 29 | NO | 3 | 3 | 51 | 115th | 22 | 16 | 171 | 3 | 10.7 | 9 | 1 | 6% | 9 | 2 | 0 | 5% | 17% | 0% | 83% | ||
Hot start in Monday's win
Published: 2023-09-18
Thomas caught seven of nine targets for 55 yards in Monday's 20-17 win over the Panthers.
Thomas was busy early, accounting for seven of Derek Carr's 13 first-half completions, including a spectacular 19-yard catch along the sideline to convert on third down and set the Saints up with 1st-and-goal from the four-yard line. New Orleans ultimately settled for a field goal on that drive, and neither team found the end zone until Tony Jones' two-yard touchdown run with less than three minutes left in the third quarter. The defense shifted in Thomas' direction and held him without a catch in the second half, but the veteran wide receiver still finished with a respectable stat line and has 12 catches for 116 yards on the season heading into a Week 3 trip to Green Bay.
Commands eight targets
Published: 2023-09-10
Thomas recorded five receptions on eight targets for 61 yards in Sunday's 16-15 win over the Titans.
Thomas finished second on the team in targets behind only Chris Olave. He began his day with an impressive 25-yard grab down the left sideline but operated primarily in short areas of the field thereafter. Thomas should continue to soak up targets in that role, as Rashid Shaheed projects to serve as the deep throat while Olave should be the top option.
Looking more like old self
Published: 2023-08-24
Thomas is looking "more like his old self" the more he practices at Saints camp, Luke Johnson of NOLA.com reports.
"Thomas looks to be hitting his stride," wrote Johnson. Rejuvenated and healthy, Thomas has been stacking strong practices together and looks to be getting closer to 100 percent ahead of Week 1. Now 30 years old and coming off three injury-ruined seasons, Thomas is hard to trust for fantasy, but he produced when he was on the field last year, catching 16 of 22 targets for 171 yards and three touchdowns in three games.
Makes catch in return
Published: 2023-08-13
Thomas caught one of two targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 26-24 preseason win over the Chiefs.
Thomas hadn't played since Week 3 of last season but was involved early on, garnering both of his targets on New Orleans' 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to begin the game. With fellow wideouts Rashid Shaheed and Tre'Quan Smith both dealing with slight groin issues, Thomas currently faces less competition for looks from new quarterback Derek Carr, but having played merely 10 games over the last three seasons, the Saints figure to be careful with Thomas' preseason workload.
Expected to play Sunday
Published: 2023-08-13
Thomas, along with the rest of the Saints' healthy offensive starters, are expected to play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Chiefs, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.
This is great news for Thomas, who's been slowly working his way back into form after playing in just 10 games over the past three seasons. While the veteran wideout will be available, he'll presumably be limited to just a series or two.
Slowly working back into form
Published: 2023-08-01
According to John DeShazier of the Saints' official site, Thomas, who was cleared to practice in full during training camp, said Tuesday that he feels like he's "trending in the right direction," and, "taking every day one day at a time..." as he works continues to work his way back from nearly a two-season long hiatus.
Thomas played just 10 games over the last three regular seasons for the Saints, as numerous injuries and subsequent surgeries plagued him during this span. DeShazier adds that the 30-year-old wideout has looked impressive during team drills and one-on-one sessions in training camp; however, it makes sense that Thomas doesn't talk like he's completely regained the same physical form from his 2018 and 2019 All-Pro campaigns. The Saints also appear to be prioritizing Thomas' long-term availability during training camp. Coach Dennis Allen said Tuesday, "There's a number of guys that we have some planned limited practice days, some planned extra days off. We've got a plan for [Thomas]." It's unclear if this precautionary practice schedule will impact Thomas' development and familiarity with new starting quarterback Derek Carr, though avoiding potential re-injury or setbacks will likely go a long way toward maximizing the wideout's effectiveness, and fantasy value, this coming season.
Ready to practice in full
Published: 2023-07-25
Coach Dennis Allen said Thomas (toe) will be a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.
Thomas, who has been limited to just 10 appearances over the last three seasons, will begin training camp at 100 percent health after taking part in OTAs and minicamp on a limited basis. After a March restructure, Thomas is currently with the Saints on a one-year, $10 million contract that can go up to $15 million via incentives heading into his age-30 season. While Chris Olave may well be the true No. 1 option for new quarterback Derek Carr, Thomas' ability to contribute shouldn't be overlooked if he can stay on the field consistently. He began the 2022 season with a 16-171-3 receiving line in three games, before subsequently missing the rest of the year due to a dislocated second toe.
Expected to be full-go for camp
Published: 2023-07-24
Thomas (toe) is expected to be a full participant when training camp opens Wednesday, NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill reports.
Thomas took part in OTAs and minicamp on a limited basis, and having him ready for training camp has always been the goal. It's another positive step in Thomas' return from three straight injury-ruined seasons. Thomas is now 30 years old but should be the focal point of the passing game as long as he's healthy. He went 16/171/3 in three games to begin last season before missing the rest of the year.