Here's Where Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas Are At In Their Injury Recoveries

With veterans set to report to Saints’ training camp in less than a week, all eyes in New Orleans are focused on the health of quarterback Jameis Winston and star wide receiver Michael Thomas.

On Tuesday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport provided a glimpse into how both are progressing:

Jameis Winston - SIC Score 81

The former Buccaneers starter suffered a torn ACL and associated MCL damage in his left knee last Halloween.

It’s a positive sign that he will participate in training camp, but he still has some key hurdles to clear in his recovery.

Since early June, the Pro Football Docs have detailed why Winston will continue to have limited mobility for the first half of the season.

He shouldn’t have much trouble in the pocket, but will struggle with his ability to avoid rushers and make plays outside the pocket.

Michael Thomas - SIC Score 59

The Saints’ former top wideout doesn’t project to reclaim that role this season, as the Pro Football Docs detailed two months ago.

The fact he still has not been cleared for training camp from his 2020 left ankle injury is not a good sign.

He has appeared progressively better in his workout videos, but the question is how much better will his ankle get ahead of the start of the season.

Thomas underwent the original surgery June 23, 2021, then had a clean-up procedure on the ankle last November 21. 

That means its been nearly 13 months since the original surgery and roughly 8 months since the clean up. The more time he misses from training camp means less time working with Winston, the new Saints QB.

Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry will likely be more reliable fantasy options from a health standpoint.