Thomas (calf) has suffered a calf injury but is hopeful to be ready for Week 1, Joe Person of The Athletic reports. Thomas is currently projected as the third tight end on Carolina's roster behind Tommy Tremble and Ja'Tavion Sanders. Thus, a return to training camp prior to Week 1 would be beneficial for the veteran tight end's aim toward securing a spot on the team's 53-man roster. Still, the 28-year-old has been with the team since 2018 and figures to be more likely than not to make the squad. Thus, expect Carolina to err on the side of caution in regard to bringing him back to practice too early.
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Status
QUESTIONABLE - Calf - Not Specified Expected Return: 2024-09-08Latest Ian Thomas news
Team
Carolina Panthers
Birthdate
6/6/1996 (28)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'4", 260 lbs
Draft Info
2018: Rd 4; Pk (CAR)
Birthplace
Baltimore, MD, USA
Position
TE
College
Indiana
Experience
7 seasons
Career History
Carolina Panthers
2018-Present
(7 seasons)
Thomas (calf) has suffered a calf injury but is hopeful to be ready for Week 1, Joe Person of The Athletic reports. Thomas is currently projected as the third tight end on Carolina's roster behind Tommy Tremble and Ja'Tavion Sanders. Thus, a return to training camp prior to Week 1 would be beneficial for the veteran tight end's aim toward securing a spot on the team's 53-man roster. Still, the 28-year-old has been with the team since 2018 and figures to be more likely than not to make the squad. Thus, expect Carolina to err on the side of caution in regard to bringing him back to practice too early.
Thomas caught a surprising number of passes during Carolina's offseason program, ESPN's David Newton reports. The 2018 fourth-round pick got a lot of snaps and routes early in his career but never improved on a rookie season with 36 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns. He then had four straight years between 136 and 197 yards, before sinking to five catches for 56 yards last season while playing a career-low 206 snaps. It sounds like Thomas may be a better fit in new coach Dave Canales' scheme, but fantasy value still seems a bit far-fetched for a player with 1,055 yards and four TDs on 2,975 career snaps. The Panthers also have Tommy Tremble and 2024 fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders competing for playing time at tight end, with the former better suited to blocking and the latter more of a receiving threat. Sanders is the only one of the bunch that seems to offer any real upside to become a fantasy-worthy pass catcher.
Thomas' reception was just his third this season and his first since Week 5. After an extended absence due to a calf injury, the veteran has returned for the past two games but holds most his value as a blocker.
Thomas was able to log a full practice Friday, likely putting him on the probable end of the official questionable designation. If he can't go though, 2021 third-rounder Tommy Tremble will probably continue to see more playing time as a result.
Thomas was designated to return from injured reserve earlier in the week, and he's been able to record limited practice sessions both Wednesday and Thursday. The 27-year-old tight end will likely carry an injury designation into the weekend, and he must be activated to the Panthers' active roster in order to suit up Sunday.
Thomas was designated to return from injured reserve Monday, so a slow start with practice makes sense for the Indiana product. Whether he'll be ready to return Sunday against the Cowboys remains up in the air, but the Panthers still have plenty of time in their 21-day window to move him back onto the active roster.
The move allows Thomas to return to practice and starts the clock on a 21-day period during which the Panthers may officially activate him. Carolina's official injury reports over the week will shine some light on his potential availability for Sunday's game versus the Cowboys.