Saints WR Marquez Callaway caught 5 balls for 104 yards in Monday night's preseason game against the Jaguars. That included a 43-yard TD on a play that drew a defensive pass-interference call, as well as a 1-handed reception or 29 yards. "Every time the lights turn on, [Callaway] does an amazing job," QB Jameis Winston said afterward, per Pro Football Talk. In addition to WR Michael Thomas being out, the Saints have also gone without WR Tre'Quan Smith in each of the 1st 2 exhibitions. The team also lost TE Adam Trautman to injury against Jacksonville. Callaway seems to be seizing the opportunity and should open the season in New Orleans' starting lineup. He looks like the best bet to lead Saints WRs in targets while Thomas is out.
Saints WR Tre'Quan Smith (leg) returned to practice on Tuesday. He ended up missing about 2 weeks. WR Marquez Callaway impressed in Smith's absence, but we're curious to see how things shake out between those 2 now over the next few weeks.
Multiple Saints beat writers mentioned on Friday how good Saints WR Marquez Callaway has looked in training camp so far. "He really has impressed as a potential WR 1/2 so far," ESPN's Mike Triplett tweeted. With both Michael Thomas (ankle) and Tre'Quan Smith (leg) currently sidelined, Callaway is getting a big opportunity as the de facto #1 WR. And it sounds like he's taking full advantage. We'll see when Smith is able to get back on the field. But with Thomas expected to miss the first handful of games, Callaway has a chance to be a fantasy factor.
Per beat writer Nick Underhill, Saints WR Tre’Quan Smith has been out of practice since Tuesday with an apparent leg injury. HC Sean Payton downplayed the injury, but Smith’s absence is a missed opportunity with Michael Thomas sidelined. In his absence, more reps have gone to guys like Deonte Harris, Marquez Callaway and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. Harris is likely to miss the first 2 games following a July DUI.
Saints WR Michael Thomas is expected to miss the beginning of the regular season after June ankle surgery, according to NFL Network's ian Rapoport. Thomas reportedly needed ligaments repaired in the ankle, stemming from last September's injury. "It simply never recovered," Rapoport reports. Doctors reportedly recommend a 4-month recovery. From a June surgery date, that would stretch into October -- potentially costing Thomas half the season. We'll keep an eye out for more details. For now, at least, the Saints' top wideout becomes no more than a late-round fantasy pick. Tre'Quan Smith, Marquez Callaway and other Saints pass-catchers obviously stand to see their opportunities increase. We'll also see whether New Orleans dips into the trade market for WR help. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the team has been "nosing around" available free agents at the position.
Update: The Athletic reports that Thomas "may miss up to five games."
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