Saints' Payton: Thomas recovering ahead of schedule

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton provided a positive update on Michael Thomas after the injured wideout joined the team ahead of Saturday's preseason game.

"It's good to have him back," Payton said, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett. "A lot of his rehab has been in Philadelphia with his ankle specialist. He had a recheck last week, he's ahead of schedule. He's gonna be a big part of what we do, and hopefully the sooner, the better with his recovery."

Thomas, who is reportedly expected to miss the first month of the season after undergoing ankle surgery in June, sported a walking boot during the Saints' exhibition game against the Baltimore Ravens.

#Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is on the field pregame in a walking boot on his left leg. @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/8CX5ehGvWf

- Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) August 14, 2021

Payton previously expressed disappointment that the wideout waited until June to address his ankle injury, leading to questions about Thomas' future with the organization. However, Payton and the three-time Pro Bowler reportedly had a meeting to bury any issues.

Thomas led the NFL in receptions (149) and receiving yards (1,725) in 2019. His production fell in 2020 as he was limited to just seven games and 438 receiving yards.

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