Michael Thomas: My body rejected hardware from multiple surgeries

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was putting together a Hall of Fame-worthy resume before injuries derailed his promising career in recent years.

Not only did Thomas have to contend with significant ankle and toe ailments, but his recovery from two surgeries was complicated by his body rejecting the hardware used to aid the healing process.

"I don't want to use this as an excuse," Thomas told ESPN's Katherine Terrell. "But also, when you get surgeries and they put hardware in, sometimes your body rejects the hardware."

He added: "Your body responds and healing responds to it. Whatever, I guess is, the 1%? I guess I'm in that category."

Thomas led the NFL with 1,725 yards (ninth-most all-time) and 149 catches in 2019, earning Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pro honors. It was his fourth 1,000-yard campaign and third 100-catch year in his first four NFL seasons.

However, the 30-year-old played just seven games in 2020, missed the entire 2021 season with a torn deltoid and other ligaments in his left ankle, and only appeared in three games last year before needing surgery on his toe.

Now seemingly healthy, Thomas returns to a new-look offense spearheaded by free-agent quarterback Derek Carr and sophomore stud receiver Chris Olave.