What It Means:

Thomas hasn't played since Week 1 due to an ankle sprain, a suspension, and now a hamstring strain. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported earlier this week that Thomas could sit out again Week 8 versus the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Emmanuel Sanders is on the COVID-19 list and Marquez Callaway is day-to-day with a minor ankle sprain, so Tre'Quan Smith could be the Saints' de facto No. 1 receiver versus a stout Bears' pass defense that has allowed a league-low 2 touchdowns to receivers this season.

Smith hasn't seen more than 4 targets in a game since Week 3 but he leads the team in yards per target (10.3) and has the second-highest average depth of target (9.4 yards) among Saints receivers. The Bears have the third-best pass defense in the league, per numberFire's advanced team rankings.