Thoughts on DT!Is # 85 still the player he was?

[Dr. DADDY-EAUX]

When I saw Dave Thomas on the field playing FB and TE and easing from one position to another without missing a beat nor seemingly out of position for either position, catching the ball and turning it up field with confidence and assurance, blocking with great technique, taking on some powerful ends in The League yet keeping our QB safe and just "knowing" what to do and how to do it, I was thoroughly impressed and to hear him speak about the game or hear him interviewed along with Drew, they just seem to "GET" what other players "wish" they could understand.

So, after having a couple of really fine seasons but then getting hurt and then the concussions, is it even "safe" to have him back out on the field? Not only for himself, but to handle his duties pass protecting, lead blocking or just staying safe out there. I like the guy so much and have seen him contribute so much for The SAINTS over his career here, I wonder just how healthy he is and how wise it is to expose him to further severe contact?

Some here may not even recall just how really great he played for us way back in the Billy Miller days but then that's their loss because David Thomas, #85 and solid Stud/Beast/Dude @ TE or FB was a hard working player who could read Drew's mind and could be counted on at whatever situation we were in until those concussions started popping up. With the depth we seem to have at TE do we risk a good player's health further or is he back to his old self and can play safely without any hinderance from his prior injuries? I'm hoping he's 100% and ready to ROCK because other teams will be so focused on #80, JG. No One will recall just how effective #85 can be and how his example for Jimmy will turn out to be!

Has anyone noticed just how effective Thomas has been or how he has been used thus far? I haven't even heard a word from anyone on how he's doing or even mentioning his name for any reason, yet, there he is, on the 90-man! I'm pulling for David Thomas to be back and as clean and head's up of a player as he ever has been because he'll not only give opponent's fits but he'll be one heck of an example for Jimmy Graham to model himself after!
Any thoughts or know anything about this situation?

[Swimmer]

Living is Austin, Thomas is one of the few non primma donnas to come out of UT. Dave is a great guy, a good story and the epitome of someone playing to 100% of their ability on every play, every day whether at practice or a game, and he's ll about "team."

[Infinite_Crescent]

Honestly he has been a bit underwhelming compared to his old self & we are in trouble at TE if J.Graham goes down. ALot of teams have 2nd and 3rd TEs now that are better than the 2012 version of Wendys with the new trend being set of everyone wanting athletic freak TEs in abundance

[brockmeaux]

I love David Thomas and he's one of the guys you love to see involved with any play. The issue for me with him is injuries. Though no fault of his own, he's had some real problems shaking the concussion bug. I'd love him to be healthy and playing, but when dealing with chronic concussion issues like he's had, as a person I'd rather he took care of himself first and foremost, whatever that may entail.

[meily]

I'm glad he is back in the fold he just adds to the creativity of the offense being that we can go from a two tightend set to a offset I or I formation or even four wide set with Graham and Davis splitting out in slot positions...he brings versatility and toughness.

[Boondock]

The Baconator hasn't been the same since 2009. His rash of concussions have been a serious concern. I honestly thought we were going to draft a TE to take Thomas' place, but it didn't happen. I don't think he will be with us much longer. We've brought in 2 veteran blocking TE's the past 2 seasons (John Gilmore and Daniel Graham). We still need a "true" blocking tight end. Preferably, someone who is in there 20's and not their mid 30's.