Explodes for spectacular line

Thomas brought in 12 of 16 targets for a franchise-playoff-record 171 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' 20-14 divisional-round playoff win over the Eagles on Sunday.

Analysis: Thomas was as masterful in Sunday's postseason tilt as he was during a career-best regular campaign that he finished with an eye-popping 125-1,405-9 line. The third-year pro made key reception after key reception throughout the afternoon, helping the Saints climb out of an early 14-0 hole to forge a tenuous 20-14 lead late in the fourth quarter. The 25-year-old's two-yard touchdown late in the third period gave New Orleans the lead in the contest for the first time and capped off a game-turning…read more

May only see light work

Thomas is active for Sunday's game against the Panthers but may not take on his usual snap load, John DeShazier of the Saints' official site reports.

Analysis: The Saints have already made quarterback Drew Brees and running back Alvin Kamara inactive for a mostly meaningless regular-season finale, and it's expected that other core skill-position players like Thomas and Mark Ingram will see only light action, if any. With New Orleans having already sewn up the NFC's No. 1 seed in the postseason, there's little upside to playing Thomas extensively and exposing him to injury in Week 17. Instead, fill-in signal-caller Teddy Bridgewater is expected to…read more

Hits century mark, notches TD

Thomas corralled 11 of 13 targets, compiling 109 receiving yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 31-28 win against the Steelers.

Analysis: Prior to Sunday's breakout performance, Thomas hadn't been quite the downfield threat he was during the first half of the regular season -- failing to exceed 100 yards and averaging 64.5 YPG between Weeks 10 and 15, compared to three 100-yard outings and 110 YPG over the first eight games of the year. The 25-year-old Thomas snapped a four-game scoreless streak with his clutch, go-ahead 2-yard touchdown catch with 1:25 to go in regulation against Pittsburgh. Now that New Orleans has the NFC's…read more

Held under 50 yards

Thomas caught seven of nine targets for 49 yards in Monday night's 12-9 win over the Panthers.

Analysis: Thomas tied Alvin Kamara for New Orleans' team lead in receptions and looks through the air. Although another seven catches proved helpful, Thomas was held under 50 yards for the third time in his last four games. That stretch has coincided with an overall dip in the Saints' passing potency, as Drew Brees hasn't topped 205 yards since Week 11, which is also the last time Thomas scored a touchdown. Given that recent slump, Thomas and his quarterback will hope Week 16's matchup against the…read more

Vintage performance in division win

Thomas brought in 11 of his 13 targets for 98 yards in the Saints' 28-14 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: Thomas was back to playing the alpha dog of the Saints passing attack, posting a double-digit catch total for the first time since Week 9. The third-year wideout dominated the short-to-medium-passing window throughout the contest, logging his third-highest target total of the season in the process. Thomas has the potential to generate a stat line the caliber of Sunday's in any given week, and he'll look to build on the performance versus the vulnerable Panthers secondary in a Week 15 divisional…read more

Puts in full practice

Thomas (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Analysis: Thomas' activity confirms that his lack of participation in Wednesday's session was for maintenance purposes more than anything else. The Saints' top wideout can be locked into fantasy lineups with confidence come Sunday, when he'll face off against the same Tampa Bay squad he torched for 16 receptions for 180 yards and a touchdown in Week 1.

Back at practice Thursday

Thomas (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: After being held out of Wednesday's session, Thomas at least is managing some reps Thursday, which bodes well for his Week 14 availability. During the previous weeks in which he missed a practice with an injury or ailment -- Weeks 2 and 9 -- he was a full participant the next day and proceeded to dismantle his upcoming opponents (the Browns and Rams, respectively) to the tune of 24 catches (on 28 targets) for 300 yards and three touchdowns.

Pops up with ankle injury

Thomas was held out of Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Assuming he picked up the injury during last Thursday's 13-10 loss to Dallas, the 25-year-old wideout will at least have the benefit of a few extra days to recover ahead of the Saints' Week 14 road matchup with the Buccaneers. He's missed just one game in three NFL seasons, but there won't be any denying the concern if Thomas doesn't make it back to practice in some capacity Thursday. Assuming he gains clearance for the weekend, Thomas should feast on a injury plagued pass defense that has…read more

Quiet night in surprising loss

Thomas brought in five of eight targets for 40 yards in the Saints' 13-10 loss to the Cowboys on Thursday. He also recovered a fumble.

Analysis: Thomas may have led the Saints in receiving yardage, but it was his second straight game with less than 50. The third-year wideout was a victim of a Cowboys' suffocating pass defense that limited Drew Brees to a season-low 4.5 yards per attempt. Thomas also failed to find the end zone for the second straight game after compiling four touchdowns over the prior trio of contests. Having mustered a modest 60 yards per game through the air over the four contests since his 211-yard explosion against…read more

Quiet on Thanksgiving night

Thomas hauled in four of six targets, managing only 38 yards during Thursday's 31-17 win against the Falcons.

Analysis: Seemingly against all logic, the Saints star receiver was held to 38 receiving yards -- his lowest output since Week 6 of 2017 -- against a Falcons defense that entered Thanksgiving ranking in the bottom half of the NFL in targets, yards and catch rate allowed to wideouts, and bottom 10 in touchdowns surrendered to the position (14). Even facing a top 10 Dallas pass defense in Week 13 (236 yards per game against), Thomas will be an elite WR1 option in what figures to be a bounce-back…read more

Perfect in win

Thomas hauled in all four of his targets for 91 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 48-7 win over Philadelphia.

Analysis: Thomas' first two targets of the day went for 30-yard receptions and would help set up touchdowns a few plays later in the first half. The former Buckeye opened the third quarter with a 9-yard catch before capping that same drive off with a 23-yard score to give the Saints a 31-7 lead. While that was his final look and he saw his fewest opportunities since Week 4, the 25-year-old still managed to make it six straight games with at least four catches and 69 yards and now has five touchdowns over…read more

Snags every target in win

Thomas caught all eight of his targets for 70 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's 51-14 win over Cincinnati.

Analysis: Thomas got most of his work in during the Saints' 15-play opening drive, catching four passes for 37 yards -- including a seven-yard-touchdown catch that required the young target to dive back toward the front pylon. There has been a lot of interest in who the Saints can line up opposite Thomas with Ted Ginn Jr. (knee), Cam Meredith (knee), and newly-acquired Dez Bryant (Achilles) all on the shelf. Sunday showed that the Saints can hum along nicely with Thomas as the go-to target, complemented…read more

Sets career high in receiving yards

Thomas caught 12 of 15 targets for 211 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 45-35 win over the Rams.

Analysis: Thomas was the only Saints player with more than five targets as he set a new career high in receiving yardage, setting the single-game franchise record in the process. Already well on his way to a big day, the wideout burned a defender deep to haul in a 72-yard touchdown pass and put the game away in the fourth quarter. After an excellent start to the season, Thomas hit a bit of a lull by his lofty standards, but this performance goes to show that he remains an elite option as long as the game…read more

Takes in full practice Thursday

Thomas (shoulder) practiced in full Thursday.

Analysis: The Saints limited Thomas' practice reps Wednesday as a result of a shoulder injury, but it didn't hinder his ability to participate in all drills Thursday. He has a great chance to produce Sunday versus a Rams defense that has yielded 9.2 YPT and 11 touchdowns to wide receivers this season.

Dealing with shoulder injury

Thomas didn't practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, the Saints' official site reports..

Analysis: In the Saints' Week 8 win over the Vikings, Thomas earned his third-fewest number of targets (six) in a given game this season, but nonetheless emerged with an injury of unknown severity. As a result, his status will be monitored closely this week to gain a sense of his chances to play in Sunday's showdown against the Rams.

Not practicing Wednesday

Thomas wasn't present during the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: The reason for Thomas' absence won't be known until the Saints release their first Week 9 injury report. For the season, Thomas leads all NFL players with at least 15 receptions in catch rate at 90.6 percent (58 of 64).

Gains 81 yards

Thomas caught five passes (six targets) for 81 yards in Sunday's 30-20 win over the Vikings.

Analysis: While this wasn't Thomas' biggest fantasy day, it was certainly strong considering that Drew Brees passed for just 120 yards all game. The 25-year-old's incredible three-week start to the season may have been unsustainable, but he continues to have strong fantasy value as Drew Brees' top outside receiving option. Expect Thomas to be busy Sunday against a Rams defense that is weakest in its secondary.

Caps comeback with touchdown

Thomas caught seven of nine targets for 69 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 24-23 win over Baltimore.

Analysis: Thomas gave the Saints the lead back with five minutes remaining in the game, knifing between a pair of Baltimore defenders on a 5-yard slant for a touchdown. The catch snapped a three-game scoreless streak for Thomas, who had been targeted at least 10 times in each of the Saints' first three games but was lost in the shuffle a bit as New Orleans spread the ball around in the two games preceding the bye. Sunday's nine-target outing represented a return to normalcy. He'll have an opportunity to…read more

Makes four catches Monday

Thomas caught four of five passes for 74 yards in Monday night's 43-19 win over the Redskins.

Analysis: Thomas continues to haul in basically everything thrown his way, even though his totals over the past couple weeks have been less stellar than his three-week start. Still, on the back of Monday's outing, he's topped 70 yards in all but one game thus far, making him as consistent as they come at the wideout position. Now entering New Orleans' bye week, Thomas' next action will come Week 7 versus Baltimore.

Held to 47 yards by Giants

Thomas caught all four of his targets for 47 yards in Sunday's 33-18 win over the Giants.

Analysis: Josh Hill of all people led the team with 63 receiving yards, while Thomas and Alvin Kamara tied for second at 47 apiece. While that was it for Thomas on a quiet day from New Orleans' passing game, Kamara complemented his receiving accolades with a trio of rushing scores. Thomas still remains the unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver for star quarterback Drew Brees and has 42 catches for 445 yards and three touchdowns through four games, despite this poor performance, so a bounce-back effort seems…read more

Catches historic Brees pass in OT win

Thomas caught all 10 of his targets for 129 yards in Sunday's 43-37 overtime win over Atlanta.

Analysis: Thomas hauled in a 35-yard pass on the game's first play, then became a part of history in the second quarter by catching Drew Brees' NFL-record setting 63,001st career completion for a gain of 17. While New Orleans' top wide receiver didn't get into the end zone, he recorded double-digit receptions for the third consecutive game to open the season. Even with a road tilt against a tough Giants pass defense next week, Thomas will be a must-start.

Another double-digit catch effort in Week 2 win

Thomas brought in 12 of 13 targets for 89 yards and two touchdowns in the Saints' 21-18 win over the Browns on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: Thomas once again paced the Saints' passing attack, posting his second straight double-digit catch game to open the season. The 25-year-old has seen a jaw-dropping 30 targets through his first pair of 2018 games, and unlike what might hold true on other teams, the level of usage may not be much of an outlier. Thomas remains Drew Brees' most trusted target by far, putting him in play in all season-long and daily formats weekly. He'll look to generate a third consecutive prolific performance in a…read more

Logs full workout

Thomas (illness) was listed as a full participant in Thursday's practice, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Even though an illness prevented Thomas from practicing Wednesday, there was never much concern about his availability for the Saints' Week 2 matchup with the Browns. Thomas' full participation in Thursday's session officially removes any doubt, making him an easy activation for fantasy owners coming off a 16-catch, 180-yard performance in the Saints' season-opening loss to the Buccaneers.

Returns to practice

Thomas (illness) participated in Thursday's practice, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: An illness befell Thomas on Wednesday, resulting in a DNP, but a return one day later indicates it was a temporary concern. Even if he's listed as limited on Thursday's injury report, he appears to be on track for an appearance Sunday against the Browns.

Picks up illness

Thomas didn't practice Wednesday due to an illness, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

Analysis: Fortunately for Thomas' owners, he picked up the illness mid-week instead of within sight of game day. However, considering his stature in one of the top offenses in the league, he'll want to take the practice field Thursday or Friday to allay any concerns about his availability. Assuming Thomas plays Sunday against the Browns, he'll be looking to uphold his lofty 16-180-1 line he delivered in the Saints' Week 1 loss to the Buccaneers.

Misses practice Wednesday

Thomas (undisclosed) was absent from practice Wednesday, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Thomas didn't show any signs of an injury during his 180-yard outburst in Sunday's season-opening loss to the Buccaneers. There's always a chance he was held out of Wednesday's session for rest-related or personal reasons, but the Saints' injury report should offer more clarity on that front.

Record-setting afternoon in loss

Thomas brought in 16 of 17 targets for 180 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' 48-40 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: Thomas turned in a jaw-dropping effort that was largely made possible by the fact the Saints played from behind the majority of the afternoon. The third-year wideout's reception tally was not only a career high, but a franchise record as well. A stellar catch rate was a must for such a prolific haul, and accordingly, Thomas only failed to corral one of his 17 targets, but he also lost a fumble. Although Sunday's numbers were naturally an outlier, Thomas is expected to be one of the most…read more

Two catches in third preseason game

Thomas caught two passes for 29 yards in Saturday's preseason tilt against the Chargers.

Analysis: Thomas has six catches for just 57 yards through three preseason games, but most importantly he has thus far avoided injury during the largely meaningless exhibition period. He's unlikely to play in the team's final preseason tilt Thursday, so the Saints' No. 1 receiver should be locked in as an elite fantasy option once the games count.

Quiet in second preseason game

Thomas caught two passes on three targets for 12 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Cardinals.

Analysis: Starting quarterback Drew Brees sat out the Saints' second preseason game, and Thomas accomplished little with backups Tayson Hill and Tom Savage under center. Still, no player in NFL history has caught more passes in his first two seasons than Thomas, who should again rank as a No. 1 fantasy receiver once the games start to count.

Thomas said he added some muscle without gaining weight this offseason, Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate reports.

Analysis: While there isn't much room for improvement with a player this good, Thomas does think he can do a better job beating exotic coverages and double-teams. He could get a few more looks in the end zone if his offseason work pays off, following a 2017 campaign in which the only disappointment was his lack of touchdowns. Thomas tied for third in the NFL with seven catches (five TDs) on plays inside the 10-yard line, but he didn't score from outside that range. While unlikely to ever become a major…read more

Thomas caught seven of 13 targets for 85 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's 29-24 NFC divisional-round loss to the Vikings.

Analysis: Although his team wasn't able to pull out the victory, Thomas put together a very impressive performance against a secondary that allowed a league-low 6.0 yards per pass attempt during the regular season. In fact, Thomas was giving Vikings' first-team All-Pro corner Xavier Rhodes fits throughout most of the game, causing Rhodes to get visibly upset on multiple occasions. It's clear the second-year receiver has already established himself as an upper-echelon NFL wideout after backing up his…read more

Goes for 131 yards in playoff win

Thomas caught eight of nine targets for 131 yards in Sunday's 31-26 NFC wild-card win over the Panthers.

Analysis: Thomas was tremendous in his playoff debut, catching just about everything thrown his way. The 24-year-old's lofty totals, which led the Saints across the board, also included a season-long, 46-yard gain. With clutch catches sprinkled in as well, Thomas will now prepare for next Sunday's divisional round matchup against cornerback Xavier Rhodes and the Vikings.

Full practice Thursday

Thomas (hamstring) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Analysis: A hamstring issue was noted only days before a Week 16 showdown with the Falcons, and while Thomas proceeded to play a season-low 62.5 percent of the snaps on offense, he hauled in four of five passes for 66 yards. He one-upped himself in the regular-season finale, reaching 90 receiving yards for the fifth time in eight games to close out the year. With the injury more or less an afterthought heading into the weekend, Thomas will seek to replicate his success from two earlier matchups with the…read more

Limited by hamstring Wednesday

Thomas (hamstring) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, Josh Katzenstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Thomas' minor hamstring injury kept him limited during multiple practices heading into the Saints' regular season finale against the Buccaneers last week as well, while the issue doesn't expect to threaten his potential availability for Sunday's wild-card matchup versus the Panthers. The Saints' No. 1 receiver has seen just 13 total targets throughout their past two contests combined, but he could be in line for a larger workload during the playoffs as he eases his way back to full strength.

Thomas secured six of eight targets for 94 yards in Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Buccaneers.

Analysis: The 24-year-old put a fitting stamp on a successful sophomore campaign, going over the 100-reception mark and setting a new career high with 1,245 receiving yards. Thomas did see a drop from nine touchdowns to five as compared to his rookie season, but his overall production certainly gave fantasy owners in all formats plenty of reason to smile. He'll head into an NFC wild-card home tilt against the Carolina Panthers next Sunday looking to add to the 12 catches, 157 yards and two touchdowns he…read more

Ready for Week 17

Thomas (hamstring) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: A limited practice participant throughout the week, Thomas could return to his usual workload despite never quite making it back to a full practice. He had season-low marks for snap share (62.5 percent) and targets (five) in last week's 23-13 win over the Falcons. The Saints can't afford to take it easy, as a loss would put them in danger of falling to the No. 5 seed in the NFC.

Thomas (hamstring) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice, Herbie Teope of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: For the second straight day, Thomas was held out of select drills, but the fact that he was merely on the practice field at all suggests he's trending toward playing Sunday in Tampa Bay. Though the Saints have clinched a playoff spot, they aren't guaranteed a home matchup in the wild-card round. Having their top receiver available Week 17 against the Buccaneers -- even with a potentially restricted workload -- would bolster the Saints' chances of coming away with a win in Tampa Bay, which would…read more

Listed as limited

Thomas (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Larry Holder of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Thomas wasn't present for the portion open to the media, but he apparently managed some form of participation before the end of practice. He played through the same hamstring injury in Sunday's 23-13 win over the Falcons, catching four of five targets for 66 yards while playing less than three-quarters of the snaps on offense (62.5 percent) for the first time all season. While a Week 17 absence seems unlikely, Thomas could have his workload scaled back again. The Saints still have something to…read more

Not seen at practice Wednesday

Thomas (undisclosed) wasn't present during the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Joel A. Erickson of The Baton Rouge Advocate reports.

Analysis: A late addition to the injury report this past weekend, Thomas entered Sunday's matchup against the Falcons with a questionable designation due to a hamstring injury. He shed the concern by avoiding the inactive list and proceeded to haul in four of five passes for 66 yards, marking his 10th consecutive game with at least 50 receiving yards. Just a few days later, he appears as if he'll be a non-participant in the first session of Week 17 prep, but the reason won't be known until the Saints…read more

Thomas (hamstring) nabbed four of five targets for 66 yards in Sunday's 23-13 win over the Falcons.

Analysis: Deemed questionable heading into the Week 16 matchup, Thomas ultimately suited up for the contest, but his outing probably registered as a disappointment for those who rolled with him in DFS and the fantasy playoffs. Game flow seems to be at the root of Thomas' underwhelming outing, as the Saints never trailed and finished with a 31:29 run-to-pass ratio for the day. Assuming his hamstring doesn't act up again entering the regular-season finale in Tampa Bay, Thomas should have a good chance at…read more

Playing Sunday

Thomas (hamstring) is listed as active Sunday versus the Falcons, Nick Underhill of The Baton Rouge Advocate reports.

Analysis: The Saints caused a stir with the addition of Thomas to the injury report Saturday. After a pregame workout, though, his hamstring was deemed ready to handle the rigors of game action. During the Saints' previous matchup with Atlanta two weeks ago, Thomas posted 10 catches (on 14 targets) for 117 yards and one touchdown, all season bests for the second-year wide receiver.

Thomas (hamstring) is expected to play Sunday against Atlanta, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Thomas was a late addition to the injury report Friday, so this situation needs to be monitored closely despite this report. Fantasy players will want to check his status in warmups before the Saints kick off at 1:00 ET on Sunday. In the event that Thomas is limited or out Sunday, the Saints would turn to fellow wideouts Ted Ginn (who is slated to return from a rib injury), as well as Brandon Coleman, Willie Snead and Tommylee Lewis.

Added to Week 16 injury report

Thomas has been added to the Saints' Week 16 injury report, Herbie Teope of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. The wideout is now listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons with a hamstring injury.

Analysis: Thomas has been on a roll of late, so this situation needs to be monitored closely, given that late injury report additions can be unsettling. Fortunately for those looking to use Thomas in Week 16 fantasy lineups, the Saints kick off at 1:00 ET on Sunday. In the event that Thomas is limited or out Sunday, the Saints would turn to fellow wideouts Ted Ginn (who is slated to return from a rib injury), as well as Brandon Coleman, Willie Snead and Tommylee Lewis.

Thomas brought in nine of 11 targets for 93 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-19 win over the Jets.

Analysis: Thomas' reception, receiving yardage and target totals were all season highs, and he scored a touchdown for the third straight contest. The second-year wideout has posted 19 catches overall in the last pair of games, and factoring in Sunday's production, he's now only the second player in NFL history with at least 90 catches in his first two seasons. Thomas will look to continue building on his strong season versus the Falcons in Week 16.

Second 100-yard game of season

Thomas brought in 10 of 14 targets for 117 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 20-17 loss to the Falcons.

Analysis: Thomas paced all pass catchers in receptions and yards while generating his second 100-yard effort of the season. The second-year wideout has touchdowns in back-to-back games and has seen double-digit targets in four of his last six contests. With a clear role as Drew Brees' No. 1 wideout, Thomas will look to exploit a vulnerable Jets secondary in a Week 15 home tilt.

Thomas caught five of nine targets for 70 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-21 win over the Panthers.

Analysis: Coming off a down performance in Los Angeles the previous week, Thomas and the rest of the Saints offense bounced back strong, albeit with Alvin Kamara once again leading the way. Thomas did lead the team in targets and receiving yards, also accounting for Drew Brees' lone touchdown pass, while Kamara and Ingram combined for three scores on the ground. Next up is a Thursday night matchup with an Atlanta defense that's done a nice job against opposing wideouts, though the Falcons may be without…read more

Thomas caught five of eight targets for 52 yards during Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Rams.

Analysis: Thomas has operated as a high-floor, low-ceiling fantasy option all season, and that notion certainly endured through Sunday's game. The issue seems to be the Saints' tendency to go away from its passing game in the red zone. In fact, Thomas hadn't seen a red-zone target in four games entering Week 12. He got one opportunity against the Rams, but was tackled at the three-yard line by cornerback Kayvon Webster. Expect more of the same from Thomas when the Saints host the Panthers in Week 13.

Thomas recorded six catches for 91 yards on 11 targets in Sunday's 34-21 overtime win against the Redskins.

Analysis: Thomas tied for the team lead in both catches and yards while leading New Orleans in targets. While the second-year receiver has topped 80 yards in six of 10 games, Thomas has only made two trips to the end zone after scoring nine touchdowns as a rookie.

Thomas recorded 117 receiving yards while catching nine of 10 targets during Sunday's 47-10 win over the Bills.

Analysis: Thomas came up with his most productive game of the season, setting personal bests in both catches and receiving yardage. The running game dominated the day, but the second-year wideout was still prominently featured in the passing game, finishing with six more targets than the next closest teammate. Thomas' role as Drew Brees' top target affords him a solid weekly floor for production, and he should be in line for another strong showing next week at home against the Redskins.

Ready to go Sunday

Thomas (ankle) doesn't have a designation in advance of Sunday's game in Buffalo, Herbie Teope of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Limited by an ankle injury both Wednesday and Thursday, Thomas returned in full Friday, effectively shedding any doubt about his ability to play Week 10. He'll thus act as the No. 1 option for Drew Brees against the Bills' 26th-ranked pass defense (250.3 yards per game).

Thomas (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Analysis: While Thomas has been limited in both of the Saints' first two practices to begin the week, the fact that he's merely participating should clear up most of the concern surrounding the wideout's health. Thomas dealt with a knee issue and was limited in back-to-back practices last week before practicing fully Friday and playing in Sunday's 30-10 win over the Buccaneers; the Saints will hope he follows a similar path in Week 10.

Dealing with ankle injury

Thomas was limited in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury.

Analysis: Last week, Thomas was afflicted by a knee injury, progressing from a DNP on Wednesday to an uninhibited practice Friday. On this occasion, the ailment has changed, but his ability to practice in the first session bodes well for his availability Week 10. Operating at less-than-optimal capacity Sunday against the Buccaneers, Thomas reeled in eight of 11 passes for 65 yards, so he's proved capable of effective stat lines, even if his health has been compromised.

Sidelined during open part of practice

Thomas (knee) didn't participate in the open portion of practice Wednesday, Joel Erickson of The Baton Rouge Advocate reports.

Analysis: Thomas built up from no activity last Wednesday to a full session Friday, so the groundwork has already been established for management of his knee injury. His official workload for this Wednesday's session will be known when the Saints release their first Week 10 injury report later in the day.