Thomas, Saints’ No. 1 WR, sidelined for rest of season

New Orleans wide receiver Michael Thomas said he can’t play this season because of complications related to offseason ankle surgery that will require another procedure. The 28-year-old twotime All-pro set an NFL single-season record for catches with 149 in 2019.

Also, Saints coach Sean Payton declined to say whether Taysom Hill or Trevor Siemian would take the bulk of quarterback snaps Sunday. Hill, who went 3-1 as a starting QB in 2020, returned to practice Wednesday after being sidelined two games because of a concussion.

■ Browns: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (shoulder/non-injuryrelated personal matter) was excused from practice, a day after the 28-yearold three-time Pro Bowl selection’s father caused a stir by sharing video of quarterback Baker Mayfield not throwing passes to his son. Beckham Jr. is under contract for two more seasons but is not guaranteed any money after 2021.

■ Obit: Tom Matte, who spent his entire 12-year NFL career as a Baltimore Colts running back, except for three

1965 games as their quarterback, died Wednesday of undisclosed causes.

He was 82. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Matte ran for 4,646 yards, had 2,869 yards receiving and scored 57 touchdowns.

■ Jets: The Pro Football Hall of Fame will display quarterback Mike White’s jersey from his record-setting Week 8 outing. The 26-year-old’s 37 completions were the most for a QB in his first NFL start, and White became the second player since 1950 to throw for at least 400 yards in his first start.

■ Giants: Injured running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) and two other starters, safety Xavier Mckinney and guard Matt Skura, did not practice after being placed in COVID-19 protocol, along with running backs coach Burton Burns.