New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was at practice on Thursday, marking a step in the right direction toward his bid to return to the lineup for the first time since the season opener.

Thomas, who is battling hamstring and ankle injuries, was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. It is currently uncertain whether he will be available for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.

The two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection has experienced a rough season this year. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and was close to returning in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers before he missed the game due to disciplinary reasons after punching teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson in practice.

Thomas then aggravated the hamstring injury the following week -- during the team's bye week -- and has remained unable to play.

Thomas had three receptions for 17 yards in the Saints' 34-23 victory over the Buccaneers on Sept. 13.

The 27-year-old Thomas led the NFL in both receptions (single-season-record 149 catches) and receiving yards (1,725) in 2019. He was named the league's Offensive Player of the Year.

Thomas racked up 1,000 or more receiving yards in each of the four seasons since being drafted in the second round in 2016 out of Ohio State.

Having Thomas on the field would be a welcome development as No. 2 receiver Emmanuel Sanders is currently on the COVID-19 list. Also, undrafted rookie Marquez Callaway is ailing with an ankle injury and he sat out Wednesday and was limited Thursday.

Callaway had eight receptions for 75 yards in last week's 27-24 win over the Carolina Panthers.

--Field Level Media