The New Orleans Saints passing game has been anything but explosive through the first four games of the season, but it sounds like reinforcements could soon be on the way.
Micheal Thomas (PUP list) and Tre'Quan Smith (IR) have been at the facility every day working out and getting rehab, Saints WRs coach Curtis Johnson said on WWL Radio's coaches show this week.
Thomas was one of the last people out of the facility on Monday night after an hour-long conversation with Johnson as he went over the film and gameplan for the Week 5 matchup with the Washington Football Team.
"I think they’re ready right now," Johnson said. "It’s just a wait-and-see."
Thomas' progress in his recovery is a good sign for the Saints' star wide receiver, even if the team will be without him for at least one more game as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. He can return as early as Week 7, with the bye week counting toward the required six-week absence after starting on the PUP list.
Smith's situation is a bit more complex, as his injury dates back into training camp and kept him off the field for all but a handful of practices. The fourth-year wide receiver was one of several Saints players eligible to return from IR as of Week 4, but the lone player brought back was center/guard Will Clapp.
Being cautious with those return timetables is the right move, Johnson said. The Saints have an early bye, which means a return for several players in Week 7 is a realistic possibility.
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"You don’t want to ever re-injure anything. And I think they’re doing the right things. I see them here all day," Johnson said. "They’re on the jugs [machine] catching balls. They’re around here lifting weights, doing all the things."
Thomas' involvement at the Saints' facility despite being inactive is also a positive sign after an contentious offseason surrounding his rehab from the ankle injury initially suffered in Week 1 of the 2020 season. An apparent rift had formed between Thomas and the Saints, fueling trade rumors that ultimately ultimately amounted to nothing as the two sides appeared to mend fences throughout the preseason. There's no question that the star WR's return would be a valued addition to a passing attack that needs a few more answers.
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"You’d love to have more guys back, but it’s just whatever the timetable says, that’s when I want them back," Johnson said, "just so they are very healthy and ready to roll."
In the meantime, unless Smith does return this week, it'll continue to be UDFAs Deonte Harris and Marquez Callaway pacing the Saints' passing attack. The All-Pro returner has gotten off to his best start in his young career as a pass-catcher, particularly in the intermediate passing game to pick up tough first downs. His 11 catches for 164 yards and a TD are already approaching career highs from last year (20 catches, 186 yards, TD) through four games.
One reason, beyond necessity, for Harris' emergence has been his improvement on corner routes, Johnson explains. Because he's always a threat to go over the top, adding that effective counter to his route tree to keep defensive backs guessing has been a key development in his overall game. And obviously he's an elite weapon in the kick and punt return game.
“I’m telling you, he’s really excelling at route-running," Johnson said. "And with the ball in his hands I think he’s as dynamic as anyone in our league.”