New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas has a new contract, but one thing remains the same: His left ankle is still not well. Gathering details on its exact status has been like pulling teeth since Thomas initially injured the ankle on Sept. 26. He played in just three games after getting hurt and underwent offseason surgery to fix it up. But according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune via head coach Sean Payton, Thomas' football activities will continue to be restricted. "In Mobile, Ala., for the Senior Bowl, Payton confirmed that Thomas had extensive arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle," the Times-Picayune wrote. "While Payton professed not to know all the specifics of the procedure, he described it as a three-step process and speculated the rehab process would likely stretch through the summer and preclude his participation in offseason team activities if a new labor agreement is reached in time to have them." The Times-Picayune reported Thursday that Thomas signed a four-year deal with the Saints. Sources told the publication that the deal is worth $12 million.

Fantasy Analysis:

Right now, there isn't any concern that Thomas will have to miss training camp, but there's nothing wrong with being wary of him. I'm just speculating, but maybe that ankle is never the same. Maybe he continues to deal with pain in it into next season. This whole situation scares me and I will probably stay far away from him during drafts. And that's without taking Chris Ivory's and/or Reggie Bush's roles into account.