New Orleans Saints' Michael Thomas expected to be ready for training camp, coach Dennis Allen says; Jameis Winston already on field

Receiver Michael Thomas is not yet participating in New Orleans Saints OTAs. But he is expected back from his ankle injury in time for training camp, according to coach Dennis Allen, and he is present and rehabbing with the team during the voluntary workout period.

Meanwhile, quarterback Jameis Winston is already back on the practice field just seven months after he tore his ACL, as both offensive pillars work their way back from major injuries.

Thomas, 29, missed the entire 2021 season with the ankle injury after he delayed his first surgery to repair multiple ligaments until June — then suffered a setback in November that required a follow-up procedure. The NFL's 2019 Offensive Player of the Year has not been fully healthy since he initially suffered the ankle injury in Week 1 of the 2020 season and missed a total of nine games that season.

«I think he's doing well in his rehab. He's not ready yet. But he's here, he's rehabbing, he's getting himself better. And we're certainly anxious to get him out here,» Allen said. «I know that he's working his tail off to get himself back. And we feel good about where he's at right now.»

When asked whether Thomas will be ready for training camp, Allen said, «That's certainly our plan.»

«If I had a crystal ball and could tell you all these things, I'd probably be making a lot more money and doing something different,» Allen said. «But, yeah, our hope is that he's gonna be ready to go for training camp. So that's what we're pushing for.»

Thomas' presence at OTAs is notable because there was a lack of communication between player and team last spring — and then friction between the two sides after he opted to wait until June to have surgery.

But that tension appeared to have been