New Orleans Saints Depth Chart
- NFC South
- Stadium
- Mercedes-Benz Superdome
- Head Coach
- Sean Payton
- Offensive Coordinator
- Pete Carmichael
- Defensive Coordinator
- Dennis Allen
- Special Teams Coach
- Dan Rizzi
- Defensive Scheme
- 4-3
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (ankle) was not present at practice on Friday for the second straight day. There were reports that Thomas "felt fantastic" at practice on Thursday, and there is a "glimmer of hope" that he can play in Week 2 on Monday night against the Raiders, but it's a long shot, at best. The All-Pro receiver is dealing with a high ankle sprain, which can keep players out up to a month or more. The 27-year-old is known as a quick healer and wants to get back out there as soon as possible, but fantasy managers need to keep realistic expectations. You should be planning to be without Thomas this week. Both Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook should have heavy target shares with Thomas likely out.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (ankle) "felt fantastic" at practice on Thursday and there is a "little glimmer of hope" that he can play on Monday night against the Raiders, according to a source. It's still unlikely that Thomas plays with his high ankle sprain, but the Saints were pleased with Thomas' progress even though he didn't actually practice. With the Saints playing on Monday this week, you almost have no choice but to bench the All-Pro wideout this week. The 27-year-old is making good progress, though, so there's an outside chance he could be back for Week 3. With Thomas likely out, Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook should be quarterback Drew Brees' go-to targets through the air against Las Vegas.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (ankle) missed practice for the second straight day and is unlikely to play in Week 2 against the Raiders on Monday night at this point while dealing with a high ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 1. It's a really tough blow for those that took the All-Pro wideout in the first round of their fantasy drafts, but you'll have to be patient as he works his way back. Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook should be the team's top receivers with Thomas on the shelf, with Tre'Quan Smith serving as the No. 2 receiver behind Sanders. Veteran quarterback Drew Brees will have a lower ceiling without his go-to target in the fold, but he could still put up QB1 numbers on Monday night.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith is a good flex piece for Week 2 against the Raiders. With Michael Thomasout for a few weeks, Smith could see more targets headed his way as Drew Brees could distribute the ball more. The receiver grabbed only one reception on one target for 14 yards in Week 1, but it's worth noting the Raiders rank top-10 in points allowed to wideouts after one week of the season. Smith will be the fourth-best option in the passing game, behind Alvin Kamara, Jared Cook, and Emmanuel Sanders. Therefore, he merits flex value and nothing more.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders remains in the WR3/flex conversation for Week 2. It was a rather disappointing New Orleans debut for the veteran, as he only managed three receptions on five targets for 15 yards in Week 1. With Michael Thomas now out for a few weeks, Sanders could see his volume increase, but it's unclear how large his role will be considering Alvin Kamara and Jared Cook would likely see more targets. Consider Sanders a low WR3 or flex piece for Week 2.