I understand what you are saying, but if his talent was so impressive, a practice squad player wouldn't have been promoted on short notice to start over him. Every potential has its learning curve, but its not as if the main task of an offensive lineman on every play isn't to physically move or block the player in front of him. This is something you either can or can't do.
sure he would have. if a practice squad player was more ready to step in and play today, for whatever reason, the coaching staff should make that call. it doesn't mean the practice squad player has more talent than thomas, or that thomas is a bust, it just means wait and see.