Who steps up for Saints' offense without Drew Brees, Michael Thomas?

METAIRIE, La. -- Replacing Drew Brees just got a whole lot more difficult.

New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas is likely to miss the start of the 2021 season after having ankle surgery in June, which means whoever wins the QB battle between Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill will be without their ultimate security blanket.

To make matters worse, the Saints’ offensive cupboard was already uncomfortably bare after they parted ways with veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders and veteran tight ends Jared Cook and Josh Hill during a salary-cap purge this offseason.

Here is a look at the most burning questions facing coach Sean Payton and New Orleans’ offense as they head into the start of training…