Report: Michael Thomas suffered Grade 1 hamstring strain, return vs. Bears in jeopardy

A new report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter detailed the hamstring injury sustained by New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas in practice last week, explaining that an MRI found Thomas suffered a Grade 1 strain — the mildest of possible grades, which is good news for the superstar receiver in the long term.

In the short term, however, this puts serious doubt on whether Thomas can suit up for Week 8’s road game with the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. He has already been ruled out for Week 7’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers, and Grade 1 hamstring strains typically require three weeks of rest. But he’ll likely make every effort to return to action as soon as his body allows.

New Orleans could certainly use his help. Saints coach Sean Payton said Friday that No. 2 wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders was place on the COVID-19 reserve list after reporting symptoms and testing positive for infection, so he must self-quarantine away from the team for 10 days; that means if he does return for the Bears game, it would be on the 11th day, with no practice time to prepare him.

And that’s assuming his condition does not linger or worsen. Dwayne Washington, a backup running back for the Saints, was out of action for 18 days while recovering from the coronavirus earlier this season. Here’s hoping Sanders escapes anything serious.

So Thomas is definitely feeling the pressure. For now, though, he’s doing his best to channel that energy into cheering on his friends and teammates:

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