Thomas (unspecified issue) returned to practice Monday, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Thomas missed this past Friday's preseason game against the Rams and then sat out practice Sunday. Now back on the field, he would appear to have a solid shot to play this coming Friday against the Titans. At this stage, Thomas is listed as the third back on the Saints' unofficial posted depth chart behind Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson, but following the departure of Darren Sproles, his ability as a pass-catcher should keep Thomas of interest, notably in PPR formats, even if he does find himself in a committee situation.

Thomas (undisclosed injury) did not practice on Sunday, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

There's no word yet on what's ailing Thomas, who missed Friday's preseason game, but so far there has been nothing to suggest that he is dealing with a long-term issue.

Thomas was held out of Friday's preseason opener against the Rams, with no explanation given, New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson shined, which isn't particularly concerning for Thomas, who figures to work as the reception-minded part of a committee. What would actually be concerning is if Thomas were held out due to an injury, though he's only missed one game over the last three seasons.

The Saints released an unofficial depth chart in advance of the team's first preseason game on Friday, and Thomas was surprisingly listed as the third running back, behind Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson.

There's little reason to panic as Thomas, who led all NFL running backs in receptions last year, is a valuable veteran on a Saints squad that is on the preseason short list of Super Bowl contenders. In fact, with the departure of Darren Sproles this offseason, Thomas could see an even larger bulk of the receptions out of the backfield, even if he sees fewer carries to limit the toll on his body, ceding early-down opportunities to Ingram and Robinson. As such, Thomas makes for a reliable target in fantasy leagues, particularly those utilizing point-per-reception scoring.

Beat writer Mike Triplett expects Pierre Thomas to get "a lot of snaps in the packages where we used to see (Darren) Sproles."

Pierre Thomas' new three-year deal is worth $6.9 million.

Thomas agreed to a slight pay cut for 2014, seeing his total compensation slip from $2.9 million to $2.4 million. It's fully guaranteed, however. Going on 30, there's no guarantee Thomas will remain in New Orleans beyond 2014, but the price will be right if he has another strong year.

Saints signed RB Pierre Thomas to a two-year extension through 2016.

The Saints dangled Thomas in trade talks, but wound up using this extension to lower his cap number instead. Expect a reduced role in 2014 as Khiry Robinson and Mark Ingram ascend. Thomas, 29, finished 2013 with 147 carries for 549 yards (3.7 YPC) and two touchdowns, adding 77 receptions. He'll remain a low-ceiling, late-round flier in re-draft leagues. Robinson offers the most upside.

Pierre Thomas' agent tweeted Thomas' relationship with the Saints was "status quo."

Free agent S Malcolm Jenkins sent out a tweet suggesting Thomas has been let go early Saturday, but that appears to have been premature. Either way, Thomas future with the Saints is murky at best, and it would be surprising if he begins 2014 in New Orleans.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Saints are "shopping" Pierre Thomas and Lance Moore, and "could be open" to dealing Darren Sproles.

The Saints need to clear cap space, and offloading Thomas and Moore would free up more than $5 million. Trading Thomas ahead of his age-30 season would also help clear the logjam in New Orleans' backfield. Thomas has been considered a candidate for release because of his $2.9 million cap number/salary, but he was by far the Saints most effective back in 2013. 2014 is the final year of his contract, so he could definitely draw some trade interest.

Pierre Thomas' agent says he's discussed Thomas' Saints future with the team.

However, Thomas' rep wouldn't comment on the details. Thomas is considered a candidate for release because the Saints could cut him loose and recoup the entirety of his $2.9 salary against the cap. There would be no dead money. Thomas was a huge part of the Saints' offense last season. Although he's going on 30, he wouldn't hurt for suitors on the open market.

ESPN lists Pierre Thomas as a candidate for a pay cut or release.

It would be a little bit of a surprise if Thomas is cut as he's owed a reasonable $2.9 million. The multi-purpose back was a major part of the league's No. 4 offense in 2013, leading the Saints in carries (147), rushing yards (549) and ranking second in receptions (77). Thomas brings a versatile element to the scheme that Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles and Khiry Robinson can't.

Pierre Thomas (chest) is inactive for Saturday's Divisional Round game at Seattle.

The Saints will turn to Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles in Thomas' absence. Although New Orleans pulled out a Wild Card win over Philly without him, losing Thomas is a blow due to his versatility. He's also the Saints' best early-down runner. The rest of New Orleans' inactives are QB Ryan Griffin, CB Terrence Frederick, S Jordan Pugh, LB Rufus Johnson, DT Tyrunn Walker, and WR Nick Toon.

ESPN Saints blogger Mike Triplett writes it's "hard to predict" whether Pierre Thomas (questionable, chest) will play Saturday at Seattle.

Thomas was limited in Thursday's practice, and then limited in Friday's pre-game walkthrough, which wasn't really a practice. Triplett says "conventional wisdom" suggests the Saints will hold Thomas out one more game due to their running back depth, but ultimately he's expected to be a game-time decision. Daily fantasy leaguers will want to monitor this situation into Saturday.

Pierre Thomas (chest) is listed as questionable for Saturday's Divisional Round game at Seattle.

He was limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday. Thomas is shaping up as a game-time decision, though signs have pointed toward him missing this game. Still, he has a chance. If Thomas is active, Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles would become far less interesting fantasy plays on FanDuel.

Pierre Thomas (chest) returned to Saints practice Thursday, getting in a limited session.

It's Thomas' first practice of any kind since going down with an unknown "chest" ailment in Week 17. It at least gives him a shot at suiting up on Saturday in Seattle, but it still seems unlikely. Thomas' status will be updated on Friday.

ESPN says Pierre Thomas (chest) "appears to be a long shot" to play in Saturday's Divisional Round game at Seattle.

Thomas hasn't practiced since sustaining the injury in Week 17. Mark Ingram did a fine job of stepping up between the tackles in the Wild Card win at Philly last week, but that was against a weak defense using five- and six-man boxes. We wouldn't expect the Saints to have much success running the ball against the Seahawks.

Pierre Thomas (chest) remained sidelined at Wednesday's practice.

Thomas was inactive for the Wild Card win over the Eagles, and he's not on the right track for Saturday's Divisional Round tilt against the Seahawks. The Saints are going to need all hands on deck in Seattle. Mark Ingram isn't going to have nearly the success he had last week. Darren Sproles hasn't done much the past couple months. Thomas is the Saints' best back.

Saints declared RB Pierre Thomas, QB Ryan Griffin, CB Terrence Frederick, S Isa Abdul-Quddus, LB Keyunta Dawson, DE Tyrunn Walker and WR Nick Toon inactive for the Wild Card round against the Eagles.

Mark Ingram will serve as the Saints' early-down hammer, with Darren Sproles playing an even bigger-than-usual role in the passing game. The nature of Thomas' injury is unknown. He should be considered questionable for a potential Divisional Round game.

Pierre Thomas (chest) has been ruled out for Saturday's Wild Card game against the Eagles.

Pierre Thomas (chest) remained out of Saints practice Thursday.

Coach Sean Payton declined to provide any specifics on Thomas' injury Thursday. His status for Saturday's Wild Card game is in doubt.