Team news: New Orleans Saints

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.

The #Texans are signing QB Tyrod Taylor to an incentive-laden contract, similar to what Cam Newton and Jameis Winston agreed to in recent days, per source. It can be worth up to $12.5 million, but the base value is less than half that. Solid backup money, and more if he plays.

Jameis Winston reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $12 million with the Saints, per league source.

Winston will compete with Taysom Hill for the QB1 job in New Orleans. Whoever wins the job will likely post starter-caliber fantasy numbers, so best ball drafters could draft both late and get top-12 numbers out of the duo. From a regular redraft standpoint, this situation is going to be a headache until a winner is named.

The #Saints re-signed RB Ty Montgomery to a one-year, veteran benefit deal with a $137,500 signing bonus.

#Saints RB Latavius Murray, who missed practice with a quad injury, is considered day-to-day, source said. He’s working to be available this weekend, but his status is best described as up in the air.

Keep an eye on Latavius Murray's status before setting any DFS lineups for this weekend.

#Saints WR Michael Thomas is expected to practice today on a limited basis and will ramp up during the week, source said. Thomas went on IR to allow his high-ankle injury to heal, and the progress has been good. Looking solid vs. #Bears.

It's looking good for Michael Thomas to return for Sunday's matchup against the Bears, after dealing with an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for the final three weeks of the regular season.

Sean Payton said his understanding is that Alvin Kamara would be eligible to return Sunday, but said "we'll see" on whether he will play. Said it would come down to the team's plan, etc.

On the reserve/COVID-19 list, Alvin Kamara must remain quarantined through Saturday, but lucky for him and the Saints, their game is scheduled for Sunday. If he goes, Kamara will be among the top options at RB for any fantasy playoff action.

The entire Saints RB room won’t be available tomorrow bc of close contact to Alvin Kamara. Latavius Murry, Burton, Washington, RB coach all out tomorrow. They are moving Ty Montgomery to RB and calling up practice squad RB

It looks like Ty Montgomery will get the start at RB for New Orleans in Week 17. Taysom Hill should also have a meatier role in the run game this week, as well.