Dickson (groin) won't play in Saturday's preseason contest in Tennessee, Max Henson of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson will miss back-to-back exhibitions to kick off the preseason due to a groin injury. While he joins starting TE Greg Olsen (back) on the sideline, Scott Simonson and Beau Sandland should get some run with the first stringers Saturday.

Dickson (groin) won't play in Thursday's preseason game in Baltimore, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

In six seasons between the two organizations involved in Thursday's exhibition, Dickson recorded more than 25 receptions one time (54 in 2011). However, he's caught only half that many passes (27) in two campaigns with the Panthers, who trot out Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen each game day. With a groin injury in tow, Dickson will yield snaps to fellow TEs Scott Simonson and Beau Sandland.

Dickson caught three passes (on three targets) for 21 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Titans.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson scored his first touchdown of the season with a one-yard catch during the second quarter Monday. Besides that, the veteran reserve was used sparingly, which usually restricts his fantasy value significantly.

Dickson (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Packers.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson entered Sunday's game with a probable designation, so he was never at any real risk of missing action. The tight end has caught seven passes for 63 yards on the season.

Dickson caught one pass (on two targets) for 11 yards and returned a fumble 57 yards for a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Dickson was hardly involved in the Panthers' passing game Sunday, but still made an awesome contribution by recovering teammate Jonathan Stewart's third-quarter fumble and dashing 57 yards for a score. That unique play certainly boosted Dickson's performance, since he's otherwise yet to amass 20 receiving yards in a game this season.

Dickson has re-signed with the Panthers, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports. Dickson, who caught 10 passes for 115 yards and a TD with Carolina in 2014, thus returns to reprise his role behind fellow tight end Greg Olsen, an assignment that carries limited fantasy upside, assuming Olsen's health.

Dickson caught 10 passes (on 17 targets) for 115 yards and one touchdown through 16 games played this season. Dickson signed with Carolina last offseason after spending the first four years of his career in Baltimore. While the veteran was able to change teams, his role as a reserve tight end remained the same. In fact, the strong, established presence of fellow tight end Greg Olsen limited Dickson to career-lows in catches, targets, and yards this season. As a result, it's unclear if Dickson will be back with the Panthers, especially as his one-year contract with the team has now expired.

Ed Dickson had an "impressive showing" during OTAs. When the Panthers open camp on Friday, they'll have six tight ends on the roster. Dickson enters as the favorite to bookend Greg Olsen in two-tight end formations, but he'll mainly be a blocker. The ex-Raven flopped badly last season despite a golden opportunity following Dennis Pitta's injury, dropping four passes in the first three games and struggling all year in the run game.

ESPN Panthers reporter David Newton said the team "ran a lot of two-tight end formations" during OTAs. As they should. With zero impact receivers on the roster, Carolina's best chance at offensive success is to run the football and target TE Greg Olsen early and often. This offensive philosophy should also benefit newly-signed TE Ed Dickson, whom Newton said "looked really good." Dickson may see a few more targets than expected, but he is still well off the fantasy radar.

The Panthers are expected to employ more two-tight end sets in 2014. Hence, their signing of Ed Dickson. Dickson will undoubtedly get a chance to catch passes, but he's never been particularly good at it. His presence will have little, if any, effect on Greg Olsen's fantasy value.