Per beat writer Nick Underhill, Saints WR Tre’Quan Smith has been out of practice since Tuesday with an apparent leg injury. HC Sean Payton downplayed the injury, but Smith’s absence is a missed opportunity with Michael Thomas sidelined. In his absence, more reps have gone to guys like Deonte Harris, Marquez Callaway and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. Harris is likely to miss the first 2 games following a July DUI.
Saints WR Michael Thomas is expected to miss the beginning of the regular season after June ankle surgery, according to NFL Network's ian Rapoport. Thomas reportedly needed ligaments repaired in the ankle, stemming from last September's injury. "It simply never recovered," Rapoport reports. Doctors reportedly recommend a 4-month recovery. From a June surgery date, that would stretch into October -- potentially costing Thomas half the season. We'll keep an eye out for more details. For now, at least, the Saints' top wideout becomes no more than a late-round fantasy pick. Tre'Quan Smith, Marquez Callaway and other Saints pass-catchers obviously stand to see their opportunities increase. We'll also see whether New Orleans dips into the trade market for WR help. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the team has been "nosing around" available free agents at the position.
Update: The Athletic reports that Thomas "may miss up to five games."
WR Dez Bryant has finally found a home, inking a 1-year deal with the Saints. The 30-year-old looked like a player in decline last season, averaging a career-low 12.1 yards per catch. He seems best-suited as a possession receiver at this point, which is the role he might be stepping into with the Saints. Bryant would look good as a big slot WR between Michael Thomas and Tre'Quan Smith. From a fantasy perspective, Bryant figures to duke it out for targets with Smith behind top dogs Thomas and Alvin Kamara. Dez is worth adding in most fantasy leagues, but we'd consider him just a WR4 for now. We'll see how quickly he can settle into the offense. Smith's value takes a considerable hit with Bryant's arrival.
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