What Can Commanders' Fans Expect from Logan Thomas Post-ACL Tear?

Logan Thomas - SIC Score 56

Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas was poised to surpass career highs in 2021 after a breakout year in 2020. None of which came to fruition after a hamstring strain and a brutal knee injury cut his season short.

On Dec. 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Thomas tore his ACL, MCL and both menisci in his left knee. 

The 30-year-old said he hopes to be back in time for the start of the season, but a typical 10-month ACL recovery would have Thomas back for Week 4.

Though Thomas told the media he is progressing well, our Pro Football Docs are not so sure the tight end will be as productive as he once was. At least not right away.

After bouncing around the league, Thomas seemed to have found a home with the Commanders in 2020. It was a breakout year for the former Virginia Tech quarterback – in 16 games, Thomas caught 72 passes for 670 yards and 6 touchdowns.

That year’s performance propelled him to become a tight end target in most fantasy drafts last season. It became clear Thomas had great potential. However, our panel of Pro Football Docs do not project that Thomas will be the same player when he does take the field for the Commanders.

“He’s coming back this season and it is a question of when,” said Dr. David Chao, ProFootballDoc. “When he does come back, he is not fully going to be himself.”

It is often difficult for players to maintain the same level of production a year after an ACL tear, to the dismay of many fantasy owners. For instance, Odell Beckham Jr. tore his ACL in 2020 and did not return to his true form until late the following year.

While he may not bounce back right away or be a starting fantasy tight end, our team of Pro Football Docs do expect Thomas to improve later into the season and he may have value as a fantasy stash in some formats.

Thomas will now be catching passes from recently acquired quarterback Carson Wentz in hopes to revamp the Commanders’ offense. 

Other potential Wentz targets will include a young wide receiver corps in Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson and Dyami Brown.