Payton hints at Thomas return, states Brees is healthy

While Michael Thomas has reportedly been spotted practicing in some capacity this week, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton once again refused to answer a direct question Thursday about whether the start receiver is making progress to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

When asked what level of optimism if any that he might have Thomas and other injured players to be available for the game, Payton refused to go into specifics.

“I won’t do that,” Payton said. “I won’t talk about any of that. But I’m an optimistic person, always.”

Drew Brees has come back from 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung to play better in each of the two subsequent games against Minnesota and Carolina after struggling against Kansas City. Payton feels Brees is doing well physically and playing well.

“I think well, noticeably well,” Payton said. “I feel like it progressively feels better just with time.”

Entering the playoffs, every game could be the last game as a Saint and in the NFL for Brees. Does that make this game any different?

“I don’t think so,” Payton said. “Down the stretch, you felt like you were playing these kind of games, to secure your seeding, improve your seeding and now, you get into the first round, there’s that sense of urgency because there isn’t a best-of-five or a best-of-seven.

“You can’t have a bad day and bounce back. It doesn’t work like that so. He’s handling the week the right way. His preparation is the same as it always is, very thorough and detailed. I think it’s very similar as it was back in ’06, ’09, ‘10, ‘11, ‘13, ’17, ’18, ’19, ’20.”

As for the matchup in the NFL Wild Card matchup against Chicago’s defense, Payton spoke in glowing terms.

“They’re top 10 third-down defense, number one,” Payton said. “They’re difficult against the run. It’s a heavy front. They rush the passer exceptionally well. I think the back-end is playing very well. They’ve got two real smart, savvy safeties. The same way at the corner and nickel position. They’re getting off the field on third down. Their red zone numbers are good and they create some real difficult matchup problems.”