NEW ORLEANS- New Orleans Saints' star wide receiver Michael Thomas is expected to miss the start of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.

The surgery, which took place in June, repaired the ligaments in his ankle but requires a four-month recovery time.

Sources: #Saints star WR Michael Thomas is expected to miss the start of the 2021 season after undergoing surgery to repair the ligaments in his ankle in June. Based on the timing of the surgery – and recommended 4 months of recovery – Thomas could be on the sideline for weeks.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2021

His injury also complicates the debate over whether Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill will start at quarterback next season.

The Saints currently have Tre'Quan Smith, Marquez Callaway and Deonte Harris as strong receivers. They only picked up one WR in the most recent draft, Kawaan Baker. The team has been checking in on available free-agent wide receivers to help fill the gaps.