METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints hope to recover receiver Michael Thomas from the injured reserve in time for Sunday’s playoff opening against the Chicago Bears. When asked if runner Alvin Kamara could join him, coach Sean Payton said, “We’ll see.”
Saints, No. 2 (12-4), got a break when their game was scheduled for Sunday afternoon instead of Saturday, as Sunday is the first day Kamara will be eligible to return from the roster. reservation / COVID 19 if you approve all COVID protocols throughout the week.
However, Kamara will not be able to practice or be around the team until the day of the match.
“Obviously anything during the week will have to be Zoom (meetings),” said Payton, who was asked Monday if he would consider using Kamara or any other player in a playoff game despite being off the team all week. .
“I think it would depend on the player and the situation,” Payton said. “But a lot of that will be just our decision based on where we think we’re with the week, the player. We have to be smart.”
Kamara’s condition will also depend on further testing for COVID and whether or not he develops symptoms during the week. However, if he is eligible, it seems likely that the Saints will try to use him in some way given his value to the team.
Kamara just tied a 91-year-old NFL record with six touchdown runs in Week 16 before being knocked out in Week 17. He led the NFL with 21 touchdowns this season and finished third in the league at 1,688 yards. of the fight.
With or without Kamara in training, the Saints should have their eligible secondary backers, including veteran Latavius Murray, who ran 119 yards and two touchdowns against the Bears last season while Kamara was injured.
Murray, runner Dwayne Washington and winger Michael Burton were ruled out Saturday for Week 17 because they considered close high-risk contacts with Kamara. All of them will be able to return earlier this week if they don’t test positive. Veteran RB / WR Ty Montgomery filled in the last minute and ended up running 105 yards in the Saints ’33-7 victory over Carolina.
Meanwhile, Thomas is expected to be back in full health this week after a minimum three-week stay at the injured reserve. That will be great for a Saints offense that has only had Thomas and quarterback Drew Brees healthy on the field together for a total of 10 quarters this season.
Thomas has been battling a nasty ankle sprain all year after suffering it for the first time in week 1. He returned in week 9 and played six more games. But Payton said the team decided to rest him for the past three weeks so the ankle has time to get as close to 100% as possible.
Brees reiterated Sunday night that “I know we’re recovering Mike Thomas; I think the last three weeks off have been great for him.”
Brees also appears to be on the verge of repairing the 11 broken ribs and punctured lung that left him out in weeks 11-14. Brees showed his best pace and time so far in week 17, completing 22 of 32 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns.
“Obviously, we wanted to finish the season continuing to rise, and I think for me, to continue to feel healthier and more comfortable every week,” Brees said after the game.