METAIRIE, La. -- Michael Thomas' discipline lasted only one game, according to New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton.
So the Saints' star receiver is eligible to return Sunday against the Carolina Panthers as long as his ankle is ready.
Thomas has been sidelined since he suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1. But he appeared close to returning in Week 5 before he was disciplined by the team for an altercation during practice that included him punching teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
The Saints had a bye in Week 6, which should have given Thomas even more time to heal -- though Payton declined to offer any injury projections.