Sean Payton has expressed frustration over the fact that Michael Thomas didn't have ankle surgery until June, though he declined to elaborate on why the procedure was delayed.

Thomas, who was plagued by the injury throughout last season, is expected to miss time at the start of this season.

"Well, look, it appears we're gonna have to spend some time without him. It's disappointing," Payton said. "And we'll work through it with the other players that are here. But the surgery took place, and obviously we would've liked that to happen earlier than later. And quite honestly, it should've."

Adam Schefter reported in January that Thomas was expected to undergo surgery to repair the torn deltoid and other injured ligaments in his ankle. It was revealed last week that the surgery didn't occur until last month.

The New Orleans Saints have reached an agreement on a contract with Chris Hogan.

Hogan, 33, agreed to the deal on Monday, according to a source. He played in the Premier Lacrosse League this offseason, but will now help the Saints fill the void left by the injured Michael Thomas.

Michael Thomas is expected to start the 2021 season on the physically unable to perform list and return by Week 7.

Thomas missed nine games last season with the ankle injury that eventually led to surgery.

Thomas had 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns during the 2019 season while also catching 149 passes. 

Michael Thomas could miss the start of the 2021 season due to his June ankle surgery.

Thomas was plagued by the ankle injury throughout the 2020 season. It is unclear why Thomas had surgery so late in the offseason, but the goal is a full recovery.

Thomas finished with 40 catches for 438 yards in the regular season and didn't catch his first touchdown pass until the playoffs.

The New Orleans Saints have entered into a partnership that will eventually see Mercedes-Benz Superdome change its name to one mirror of the most recognizable gambling venues in the world: Caesars Palace.

Caesars, already an official casino partner with the NFL, received approval on Thursday to move forward with labeling the Saints stadium as "Caesars Superdome," according to a report.

The Louisiana state legislature's Joint Budget Committee approved a 20-year contract on the new stadium name.

Cleared to resume football activity, Kwon Alexander was scheduled to visit with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday.

The linebacker had been rehabbing from a torn Achilles injury sustained in Week 16 of the 2020 season.

The 26-year-old was released in March.