Article author:
Reuters
New Orleans Saints Wide Out Michael Thomas continued to recover from his left ankle injury by participating in Saturday's 11-11 drill for the first time since the 2020 season.
Thomas missed the entire 2021 season after his ankle surgery. He initially hurt it in the opening round of the 2020 season and was limited to seven games.
Three times Pro Bowler is trying to enhance conditioning and improve ankle strength.
Saints coach Dennis Allen can see the progress.
"Honestly, he's hit the ground several times," Allen told reporters Saturday. "That's all part of the process of building that confidence. I think he's thinking good now. I think he looks good physically. I'm excited about where he is."
Thomas was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 after setting a record for the league's single season at 149 receptions. He also had 1,725 yards and nine touchdown catches that season.
Overall, Thomas has 510 receptions and 32 touchdowns at 5,950 yards in 70 games (62 starts) over five seasons.
Pro Bowl 3 Safety Tyrann Mathieu (for personal reasons) also first appeared on the 11-11 drill during the training camp.
"It was cool to see it," Allen said of Matthew. "I was excited to get him out here. We held down his reins a bit, our decision to be him more. This is part of the launch process. So I will continue to launch him. "
Also, linebacker Kiko Alonso was a no-show on Saturday practice and there were multiple reports showing that he had decided to retire.
Alonso, 32 on August 14, officially signed with Saints on Friday after missing the previous two seasons due to an injury.
Buffalo Bills (2013), Philadelphia Eagles (2015), Miami Dolphins (2016-18), 86 career games with New Orleans (67 starts), Alonso tackles 588 times , 10 intercepts, 7 forced fumbles. , 7 fumble recovery and 3 sack.
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