Rob Ninkovich believes Jameis Winston is capable of leading the Saints to a successful year if he reduces the turnovers. (1:11).
Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that wide receiver Michael Thomas will miss five games this season because the New Orleans Saints plan on putting him on the physically incompetent to perform list.
Players on the PUP List cannot practice until the first six weeks have passed. Thomas, however, is allowed to play in five games as the Saints have a bye week. He could play at the Seattle Seahawks Monday Night Football in Week 7.
Thomas has been out of action since June's ankle surgery. However, Saints coach Sean Payton stated recently that Thomas was "ahead" of schedule in his recovery. This led to optimism that Thomas will return as soon as possible.
Thomas' late date for surgery was a source of concern for the team. Payton stated at the start of training camp that "Obviously we would have liked that to occur sooner than later." It should have, and it should.
Thomas took offense via social media at reports that cited sources placing blame on him. Tensions eased when Thomas and Payton had a productive telephone conversation. Thomas was then invited to join the team for the preseason opener in Baltimore.
Thomas missed nine games last season after injuring his knee in Week 1. After sustaining the injury in the final minutes of Week 1, Thomas returned to play in Week 9. He then went to Weeks 15-17 on the injured reserve list to rest up and prepare for the playoffs.
He had 40 catches for 438 yard in seven regular-season matches and didn't get his first touchdown catch until the playoffs. Schefter said that Thomas had, among other ligaments in his left leg, tore the deltoid.
In Thomas' absence, the Saints should rely heavily on Marquez Callaway, a second-year breakout candidate, and Tre'Quan Smith as a fourth-year receiver. Smith has been out of action for several weeks, but ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcasters reported that he will be back soon after a hamstring injury.
