New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Michael Thomas is likely to have surgeries on both a torn deltoid and injured ligaments in his high ankle during the off-season, according to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.
Per Schefter, Thomas played through the ailments knowing that it was likely quarterback Drew Brees‘ final NFL season, and didn’t want to miss out on a chance at getting the 42-year-old another Super Bowl.
Thomas was held without a catch in the Saints’ 30-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in last Sunday’s divisional-round action.
Schefter reports that Thomas, a three-time Pro Bowler, often wouldn’t practice all week, but would play in games at less than 100 per cent with the help of pain medication.
In total, the 27-year-old suited up for seven games, recording 40 receptions for 438 yards and zero touchdowns, for the first time in his five-year career.