Football is back and with it arrived Michael Thomas practicing in a Saints uniform for the first time since January of 2020. It’s the perfect way to start off the year when you get arguably one of your best players back.
Michael Thomas’ return
Yesterday during the press conference with Mickey Loomis and Dennis Allen revealed that Mike wouldn’t be on the PUP list very long. Turns out, they were right, because not only 24 hours later we saw Mike playing football.
Thomas was placed on the PUP list because there was an expectation that he’d miss the early part of training camp. Monday night the team told Thomas that he would need to show the team and the staff should clear him for practice. He did good at the workout and that led to Thomas returning Tuesday.
Here’s the full quote from Mike:
“Me, DA and Mickey had a meeting yesterday and they told me what they were expecting me to do and what they needed out of me and what they needed to see. So, we had a workout in the morning and they wanted to see how I moved. I passed my test and they allowed me to practice.”
Thomas participated in everything other than full team drills. Huge step for the Saints. Didn’t look like there was limp either.
Jameis and Mike
Thomas and Jameis are finally going to get reps together and build a chemistry. They only completed one pass today out of three, but they were seen getting extra reps after practice together. Here is what Mike had to say about playing with Jameis:
“Jameis is a competitor, the ultimate competitor. He always shows up ready to work. It’s like you’re not gonna outwork him or deny him. He always has that energy and passion and you feed off that. I’m excited to play with him.”
Attendance
Everyone who was supposed to be at camp, was at camp. The team knew that Tyrann Mathieu would miss a few days due to personal matters. Marcus Davenport was not spotted as he’s on the PUP list because of his amputated pinkie. The third guy missing was Tanoh Kpassagnon with an illness.
Pete Werner was working off to the side with the trainer today. Dennis Allen said he should be back soon and that there isn’t much of a concern. Rashid Shaheed joined the team late and worked off to the side with some solo rehab work. I’ve been told that he won’t participate during this first week but should be cleared for week two of camp.
Taysom Hill fully participated and had no limitation along as Marcus Maye.
Who stood out
In his first practice since November, Payton Turner had a solid day. The second year defensive end has a lot to prove this year and he’s already off to a good start. Turner recorded a sack on Ian Book going up against Jerald Hawkins. Turner also had a pressure and hurried the throw. This performance got the attention of Dennis Allen and he was impressed as he mentioned in the post practice press conference.
Jameis WInston looked good. He participated in full team drills for the first time since his ACL injury. Winston completed all of his passes except for one, which was dropped by Kevin White. There was no limp noticeable unlike minicamp.
A guy who I think needs to have a good camp has gotten off to a good start. Adam Trautman had a pair of nice catches and one that would’ve went for 20 yards.
Andy Dalton showed some good reps as well which is important because he’s the backup quarterback.
Who took starting reps
At left tackle, James Hurst took starting reps as expected. It could be different tomorrow, but for now Hurst took first team reps.
Zach Baun and Kaden Elliss filled in for Pete Werner who was off working to the side.
Deonte Harty, Easop Winston, Chris Olave, and Marquez Callaway were returning kicks/punts.
Taysom took reps as the first string tight end. He also started on special teams as the personal protector which has been Smoke Monday, Justin Evans, or Daniel Sorensen’s spot.
J.T. Gray and Marquez Callaway were the gunners on punt.
We’ll have highlights from todays camp later on today, so stay tuned.
Written by Kadin Janisch
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