Mina Kimes explains how Michael Thomas' injury impacts the Saints wide receiver group. Also, if they might be able to sign someone. (1:03).METAIRIE (La.) Chris Hogan, a veteran wide receiver, will be returning to the NFL to try and help the New Orleans Saints compensate for Michael Thomas' injury.Hogan, 33 years old, has agreed to a deal on Monday with the Saints, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. This confirms an NFL Network report.Thomas was placed on the physically ineligible to play list Monday, as per protocol. This will allow him to begin training camp. After undergoing ankle surgery in June, Thomas is likely to miss the regular season.Hogan (6-foot-1 and 210 pounds) will be competing for a roster spot with Saints receivers Tre’Quan Smith, Deonte Houston, Marquez Calaway, and other Saints receivers in a position group that is lacking proven talent, after New Orleans released veteran Emmanuel Sanders.Hogan was a nine-year veteran who played with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Buffalo Bills. He won two Super Bowls with New England Patriots. After playing in 12 games in total with the Jets and Panthers in 2019/2020, and suffering from injuries, Hogan briefly considered switching careers to play in the Premier Lacrosse League. He was then re-encouraged by the Saints.Hogan was a star lacrosse player at Penn State. He then spent a year at Monmouth playing football and joined the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted rookie-free agent. He was mostly inactive in his time in PLL. He started with the Cannons and was traded to the Whipsnakes.Hogan's versatility and experience are a great asset to the NFL. Hogan has been able to line up in both the slot and wide receiver positions, catching 216 passes for 2,795 yard and 18 touchdowns during the regular season. He also has 34 catches, totaling 542 yards and four touchdowns in the playoffs.
