Dickson (ankle) practiced in full Thursday, Max Henson of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson's absence from Wednesday's session was likely intended to keep the 30-year-old fresh. During Greg Olsen's recovery from foot surgery, Dickson has missed nary a snap, resulting in 16 receptions (on 23 targets) for 299 yards over the last five games. Dickson will seek out his first touchdown of the season Sunday against a Buccaneers defense that has conceded a TD to a tight end in three of the last four outings.

Dickson (ankle) was held out of Wednesday's practice, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though the ankle injury is something to monitor, it didn't prevent Dickson from playing every single offensive snaps in Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Bears. He's played at least 98 percent of the snaps in each game since Greg Olsen suffered a broken foot in a Week 2 win over the Bills. Chris Manhertz is next up on the depth chart if Dickson is absent or limited for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay.

Dickson caught three of five targets for 18 yards in Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson sports just 54 yards over the past two games, further establishing his 175-yard outburst in Week 5 as an anomaly. As long as Greg Olsen remains sidelined, Dickson figures to get at least a handful of looks, but he's more of an occasional chain-mover than a fantasy standout.

Dickson caught four of eight targets for 36 yards in Thursday night's 28-23 loss to the Eagles.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson came back down to earth after exploding for a career-high 175 yards last Sunday. Through his eight seasons, Dickson has proved his output Thursday is more of what fantasy owners should expect. While Dickson is yet to find the end zone this season, his 17 targets over the past three weeks trump his mere four through the first three, evidencing his expanded role in Greg Olsen's absence.

Dickson brought in all five of his targets for 175 yards in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson's career day played a big part in the season-high 355 yards that Cam Newton mustered, with the veteran tight end rumbling through the heart of the Lions defense for receptions of 57 and 64 yards for a sizable portion of his production. The 30-year-old had also flashed his downfield ability -- albeit to a much less spectacular degree -- in Week 4 against the Patriots, notching a 25-yard catch on his way to a 20.7 YPC on three receptions. While he's highly unlikely to completely replicate the value that the sidelined Greg Olsen (foot) brings to the offense, Dickson certainly appears to be a capable substitute for the time being. He'll look to make big contributions again this coming Thursday versus the Eagles.

Dickson caught three of four targets for 62 yards in Sunday's 33-30 win over the Patriots.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson fared much better in his second start in Greg Olsen's (foot) absence, finishing third on the Panthers in receiving yards. In fact, Dickson's 62 yards marked his third most in any game over the course of his eight seasons. While that suggests the veteran overachieved Sunday, Olsen's extended sideline stint figures to open more opportunities than usual going forward.

Dickson caught his lone target for eight yards in Sunday's 34-13 loss to the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson started as expected in the place of injured tight end Greg Olsen (foot), but his involvement in Carolina's passing game remained rather restricted. That comes despite the Panthers trailing by a sizable margin as the game played out. While Dickson's fantasy value has been limited throughout his career, Sunday's performance is probably as poor as it'll get while Olsen is out.

Dickson will serve as Carolina's top tight end in the absence of Greg Olsen, who is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a broken foot, Brendan Marks of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Olsen hasn't missed a game with the Panthers, which explains why Dickson has only 39 catches in 50 regular-season games since joining the team. He did catch 54 of 89 targets for 528 yards and five touchdowns for the Ravens in 2011, but his hands aren't particularly reliable and he doesn't have a knack for getting open. While unlikely to emerge as a major threat down the seam in Olsen's mold, Dickson has at least shown some ability to pick up yards after the catch on short passes. He'll begin his tenure as the No. 1 tight end with a friendly matchup against the Saints.

Dickson caught two of three targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 9-3 win over the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson's production wasn't anything to write home about, but his fantasy stock should rise in the coming weeks after teammate Greg Olsen broke his foot Sunday. With Olsen slated for an extended absence, Dickson becomes Carolina's top tight end, which is usually conducive to regular looks from quarterback Cam Newton. While nobody will mistake Dickson for the Pro-Bowler Olsen, the veteran should nonetheless benefit from more snaps and targets as he's promoted to the starting lineup.

Dickson caught one of three targets for 13 yards in Thursday's preseason game against the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson's status as Greg Olsen's backup doesn't lend much fantasy value, but the veteran does catch a pass or two every now and then, as was the case in Thursday's exhibition.