Saints rule out star WR Michael Thomas for Monday Night Football

When the New Orleans Saints host the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, they’ll take the field without the services of star wide receiver Michael Thomas

With a Monday Night Football showdown on the way against the Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints supporters everywhere were hopeful superstar wide receiver Michael Thomas would be able to suit up and catch some balls like usual from Drew Brees.

However, Thomas won’t be ready to go for the Week 5 showdown. It was reported on Sunday that Thomas indeed won’t be able to return from injury and will have to sit out the battle with the Chargers.

Michael Thomas hasn’t been able to play since going down with a Week 1 injury against Tampa Bay

Unfortunately for Thomas and the Saints, he suffered an ankle injury against the Buccaneers in the Week 1 victory and hasn’t been able to get fully fit since. There was some optimism he might be ready to get back in action to face the Chargers, but Brees will have to go at least one more week without his favorite receiver.

When healthy, Thomas is no question one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. However, the Saints clearly don’t want to rush his return and risk him worsening his ankle. In his limited action, Thomas has three receptions for 17 yards on the season. Last campaign, he absolutely blew up, catching 149 balls for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns.

With Thomas not available since the season-opening win, New Orleans has managed to go 2-2 on the year. They’re in an early battle with the Bucs for the top spot in the NFC South standings, with Tampa Bay suffering a surprising loss to Chicago on Thursday night.

It goes without saying, but with the two teams expected to battle it out throughout the season, the Saints will need Thomas back as soon as possible to try and overtake Brady and Co.