Rapoport: Patriots are placing WR Malcolm Mitchell (knee) on IR

Sources: #Saints star WR Michael Thomas is expected to miss the start of the 2021 season after undergoing surgery to repair the ligaments in his ankle in June. Based on the timing of the surgery – and recommended 4 months of recovery – Thomas could be on the sideline for weeks.

It’s a brutal blow for Thomas and his owners. Projections currently assume eight missed games for Thomas, but we’ll update as more information comes in. Alvin Kamara has seen a big boost in usage when Thomas has missed in recent years. He has averaged 27.3 PPG (half-PPR) in the eight games that Thomas has missed compared to 15.5 PPG in the 21 games Thomas played. The loss of Drew Brees is a concern, but Kamara should be the focal point of the offense with Thomas sidelined. For now, Tre’Quan Smith, Adam Trautman and the other New Orleans receivers get a bump, but the Saints are a candidate to sign or trade for another receiver.