Saints' Michael Thomas Again Ruled Out Ahead Of Showdown With Bears

New Orleans Saints star receiver Michael Thomas has been officially ruled OUT this week against the Bears. This is not ideal for the 4-2 Saints who are looking to run down Tom Brady, Antonio Brown and the Buccaneers in the standings.

Thomas returned to practice yesterday, but New Orleans obviously didn't think he was ready. The news may make their fanbase sweat a bit. The team clearly needs all the help they can get against the Bears' sixth ranked defense in the NFL.

However, head coach Sean Payton wants to make sure Thomas is ready for Tampa next weekend so he doesn't want to rush him back this weekend if it's too soon, even if the Bears are the worst 5-2 team we've ever seen. The Saints staff have probably determined that they can still beat Chicago without their pro bowler. It's not entirely crazy. That Bears offense stinks.

All eyes will then be on Michael Thomas and the New Orleans Saints in Week 9 as we get our first glimpse of that full-strength offense since Week 1. They could ask for no better test than a red-hot Tom Brady and AB81. We'll make sure to give updates on the official word on Michael Thomas' status next week.