New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas will miss the rest of the regular season after being placed on injured reserve Saturday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Thomas has been dealing with a lingering ankle injury since Week 1 of the NFL season.

The Saints expect Thomas to be close to 100% for the start of the postseason, sources told ESPN.

New Orleans has already clinched a playoff berth and is currently the No. 2 seed in the NFC.

Thomas had been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs after not practicing all week. He had played through the ankle injury since returning to the lineup in Week 9. In seven games this season, Thomas has 40 catches for 438 yards with zero touchdowns.

The move happens just one day after it was announced that quarterback Drew Brees is set to return to the starting lineup on Sunday.

Brees, 41, returned to practice this week after missing four games because of 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung.