The Facts: Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports “there’s optimism in the building” about Thomas' returning to work in time to play Week 1.

Diehards Line: Thomas has been working at the team facility after spending much of the offseason rehabbing in Southern California. The Saints are optimistic the medical staff will clear him sometime early in training camp, Rapoport reports. The three-time Pro Bowl receiver has not played a game since 2020. He posted video of himself running routes earlier this month as he works his way back from ankle surgery, which kept him out all of last season. Thomas didn’t participate in team drills in the offseason program. ... We’ll continue to watch for more.