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While the New Orleans Saints are welcoming Drew Brees back into the lineup after four weeks on the sidelines with a litany of chest injuries, they’re being more conservative with star receiver Michael Thomas.
Thomas wasn’t able to practice this week while managing the same ankle injury that kept him out of action for much of the regular season’s first half, and the team has preemptively ruled him out for Sunday’s matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
It’s the latest disappointment for Thomas after his record-setting 2019 season. Here’s hoping he can bounce back soon, but it’s tough to see that happening on a short week before the Saints’ Christmas Day game against the Minnesota Vikings.
But Thomas wasn’t the only Saints player ruled out for Week 15. Guard Nick Easton (concussion) and nose tackle Malcom Brown (shoulder) will both join him on the inactive list, which is concerning. The interior offensive line has been a weakness for the Saints recently, and Brown’s absence against the Philadelphia Eagles helped snap their NFL-record of games played without allowing a 100-yard rusher. They’ll both be missed.
Here’s your full injury report following Friday’s practice session: