Coach Matt Rhule pointed out Thomas has had a "great offseason" earlier this month and suggested he still has a chance to lay claim to the Panthers' starting tight end role, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas posted a promising rookie season back in 2018 but hasn't really followed it up with much of note in each of the last two, finishing out 2020 with just 20 catches for 145 yards and a touchdown. The Panthers signed Dan Arnold and drafted Tommy Tremble this offseason to shore up the position, but it looks like Thomas will still get a fair shake for the starting job and he's put in work this offseason to keep himself in the conversation. This job battle will likely continue into training camp.

Thomas finished the 2020 season with 20 catches on 31 targets for 145 yards and a touchdown in 16 games played.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas was expected to assume a larger role in Carolina's passing game following the departure of long-time Pro-Bowler Greg Olsen, but that simply did not manifest despite Thomas playing about 65 percent of the offensive snaps. In fact, the 2018 fourth-rounder's final production closely mirrored that from 2019, when he experienced significant dips from his promising rookie campaign. With 2021 marking the final year of Thomas' current contract, he should be plenty motivated to elevate his involvement, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be featured more, plus the Panthers could always add another option at tight end.

Thomas wasn't targeted in Sunday's 20-13 win over Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas played 40 offensive snaps, but he failed to receive a target for the second time in five games. The third-year tight end has struggled to generate meaningful production this season despite Greg Olsen's departure, as he's posted a 19-146-1 line through 15 games.

Thomas caught three of four targets for 29 yards in Saturday's 24-16 loss to the Packers.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas' yardage total actually marked a new season high. The tight end has hauled in three passes in consecutive games, giving him a little momentum ahead of next Sunday's game against Washington.

Thomas caught three of four targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 32-27 loss to the Broncos.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas matched his season high in receptions, enabling him to reach 20 yards for just the second time this term. Despite clearly having restricted upside, Thomas' outing Sunday was at least some sign of progress.

Thomas (knee) is active Week 14 against the Broncos.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas popped up on the injury report late this week with a knee injury, but it won't prevent him from suiting up for the home matchup against Denver. While he's been targeted in the passing game only three times in the past three weeks, Thomas continues to see plenty of snaps. With DJ Moore (COVID) sidelined this week, there may be a few extra targets to go around that may have otherwise gone to the wideouts.

Thomas (knee) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Denver.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas didn't pop up on the injury report until Friday's practice, when he was a full participant, so it seems like he's still trending toward suiting up. Chris Manhertz likely will draw the start if Thomas were to miss time, but Carolina's tight end position simply hasn't reliably produced for fantasy this season.

Thomas caught one of two targets for four yards in Sunday's 28-27 loss to the Vikings.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas has managed more than one reception in just three of 12 appearances thus far, leaving him with very little fantasy value despite his starting tight-end job.

Thomas didn't receive a target during Sunday's win over the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Chris Manhertz and Thomas played 42 and 40 offensive snaps during the contest, respectively, but neither player recorded a catch Sunday. Thomas has played at least 56 percent of offensive snaps in every game this season, but he has only 12 catches for 93 yards and one touchdown.

Thomas caught his only target for seven yards in Sunday's 46-23 loss to the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas saw fellow tight end Colin Thompson score to begin the game, and is now tied with Thompson with one touchdown this season. With just 12 grabs in total, Thomas clearly isn't involved enough in Carolina's passing game to justify fantasy ownership despite his starting role.