Michael Thomas Claimed His Body Rejected “Hardware” Implanted During Ankle & Toe Operations
The New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver has not participated in an entire season since 2019.
Michael Thomas hopes to be in good health in 2023.
As a rookie in the NFL in 2016, Michael Thomas stood out when he set foot on a pitch. Thomas, an Ohio State product who was selected in the second round, rapidly became the primary wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints.
During the first four years of his career, he had four seasons with 1,000 yards or more, the fourth of which saw him win offensive player of the year honors after setting a single-season record for catches with 149 and gaining 1,725 yards.
Early in the 2020 season, though, everything started to go apart. He only participated in seven games due to a severe ankle sprain he sustained in Week 1. After having surgery on his ankle, a setback made him sit out the whole 2021 campaign. His year was cut short in 2022 at Week 3 due to a toe injury.
In an interview with Katherine Terrell of ESPN at the age of 30, Michael Thomas shared some information regarding his injuries.
“I don’t want to use this as an excuse. But also, when you get surgeries and they put hardware in, sometimes your body rejects the hardware. With both ankle and toe injuries. Your body responds, and healing responds to it. Whatever, I guess, is the 1%? I guess I’m in that category.”
The Saints seek an excellent wide receiver pairing
In Thomas’ absence the previous season, rookie Chris Olave took over as the starting wideout and amassed more than 1,000 yards. The Saints hope Thomas and Olave can work as a one-two punch since the remainder of New Orleans’ comprehensive receiver depth chart needs to be improved.
With rookie quarterback Derek Carr at the helm, the Saints might develop a potent offense if Thomas can remain healthy and Alvin Kamara regains his prior high-level form after serving his suspension.
