Report: Michael Thomas out several weeks with high ankle injury

Michael Thomas' high ankle injury is more severe than initially anticipated, and the New Orleans Saints wide receiver is now expected to be sidelined for several weeks, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Thomas initially believed he could play through the ailment after appearing to suffer the injury late in the Saints' season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

The star pass-catcher will attempt to return earlier than his reported timeline, though being placed on injured reserve is a possibility, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Thomas has developed into one of the NFL's top offensive players since entering the league in 2016. He led all players in catches (149) and receiving yards (1,725) last season and was named the Offensive Player of the Year.

The 27-year-old was quiet in New Orleans' 34-23 win over the Buccaneers, catching just three passes for 17 yards.

The Saints will battle the Las Vegas Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Chargers over the next four weeks.