David

Thomas

Thomas has impressed everyone with the Patriots with great hands. ``I think he’s a little further along than I was my rookie year,” Benjamin Watson said. If Daniel Graham can’t get healthy, Thomas will have a big role in the offense, but he’s probably a year away from being on the fantasy radar.

Thomas is week-to-week while still feeling the effects of a Week 3 concussion. Jimmy Graham should continue to see increased snaps as a must-start TE1. Charles Brown will continue to start at right tackle with Strief (knee) out.

He returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since Week 3, and the Saints don’t need to rush him back before he’s ready. QB Sean Canfield, DB Johnny Patrick, LB Will Herring, OT Zach Strief, WR Adrian Arrington, and DE Turk McBride join him on the inactive list.

After suffering a concussion in Week 3 last season, Thomas returned in Week 9, but was placed on injured reserve a week later, likely due to a relapse. Although it was fair to wonder about his future in the league, all signs point to Thomas making a full recovery in time for the 2012 season.

Coach Sean Payton noted that he was “turning the corner” several times in the past few weeks, but Thomas had to pass the full concussion protocol before returning. It’s a reminder that there is never a true recovery timetable for a player dealing with concussion symptoms.

Thomas left the Saints’ Nov. 13 game with an unspecified injury in his first game back after missing over a month with concussion symptoms. It’s quite possible that Thomas suffered a relapse in Week 10, leaving his future in question.

The two concussions Thomas sustained during the 2011 season left him so sensitive to light and sound that he had trouble even playing with his kids. But after visiting six top neurological specialists, he’s been cleared to resume his playing career. Thomas projects as Jimmy Graham’s direct backup.

“It was all very encouraging, very positive,” said Thomas, who wanted assurance that it was OK to continue his career. Just after missing five weeks with his first concussion, Thomas sustained another in mid-November, ending his season. The Saints’ No. 2 tight end says he’s felt good since the offseason began.

Thomas sustained the injury in Week 11 versus the 49ers. Promoted from the practice squad, Michael Higgins played in two-tight end sets with Jimmy Graham, catching one pass for -3 yards.

Thomas started in place of the injured Jimmy Graham (ankle) and saw four targets on the afternoon. He wasn’t heard from until late in the second quarter, but he beat Bucs rookie LB Lavonte David for a 20-yard score to put the Saints up 28-21. Thomas will be relegated back to a bench role if Graham returns in Week 8, as expected.