New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, once known for his record-breaking performances, has been plagued by injuries and medical issues in recent years.
Since his stellar 2019 season, where he set the NFL’s single-season reception record with 149 catches and 1,725 yards, Thomas has struggled to stay on the field.
In 2020, Thomas played just seven games due to injuries.
The following year, he missed the entire 2021 season after undergoing ankle surgery. Unfortunately, his return in 2022 was short-lived, as a toe injury forced him to be shut down after only three games, leading to another surgical procedure.
In an interview with ESPN’s Katherine Terrell, Thomas shed light on the challenges he faced during his recovery process.
One significant factor contributing to his extended healing time was the rejection of the hardware inserted to aid in the healing process.
Thomas explained, “I don’t want to use this as an excuse, but also, when you get surgeries and they put hardware in, sometimes your body rejects the hardware.”
He went on to reveal that this rejection occurred with both his ankle and toe surgeries, stating, “Your body responds and healing responds to it. Whatever, I guess, is, the 1%? I guess I’m in that category.”
The rejection of hardware during surgical procedures is a rare occurrence, affecting only a small percentage of patients. While Thomas did not delve into the specific complications he faced due to this rejection, it is clear that it played a significant role in the length of his recovery.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Thomas remains determined to return to the field and contribute to the New Orleans Saints. He expressed his eagerness to overcome these obstacles and get back to the level of play that earned him All-Pro honors in the past.
The Saints organization and Thomas’s fans eagerly await his return, hopeful that he can regain his form and once again be a dominant force in the NFL.
With his talent and determination, there is no doubt that he will continue to work tirelessly to overcome these challenges and make a triumphant comeback.
