Thomas (ribs) isn't practicing Wednesday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas suffered the injury in Carolina's preseason opener and now appears likely to sit out Friday's exhibition against the Bills. With 34-year-old starter Greg Olsen an obvious candidate to be rested, Bill Voth of the Panthers' official site speculates that third-string tight end Chris Manhertz could be busy Friday night.

Thomas (ribs) sat out of practice Sunday, Brendan Marks of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas sustained the injury in Thursday's preseason opener against Chicago. It's a tough break for the 23-year-old, who had also been dealing with a leg injury during training camp. While Thomas is sidelined, Chris Manhertz will pick up the backup reps behind Greg Olsen.

Thomas is questionable to return to Thursday's preseason game against the Bears with a rib injury, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear how Thomas picked up the injury, but this is a tough break for a player that had been dealing with a leg injury heading into camp. It's likely that the team holds the veteran out for the rest of the game as a precaution, but expect the team to update his status following the game. In the meantime, Chris Manhertz stands to see an increase in snaps as long as Thomas is sidelined.

Thomas (leg) wasn't placed on the team's Physically Unable to Perform list Wednesday, signaling he's healthy for the start of training camp, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas was limited to riding a stationary bike during minicamp just a month ago, but seems to be fully recovered. Now that he's healthy, the 2018 fourth-round pick will enter training camp second on the depth chart, but Greg Olsen's recent injury history suggests Thomas has a decent shot to make starts before the end of the season. He performed admirably in Olsen's absence last season, averaging four catches for 36.7 yards on six targets in six starts last season sans Olsen.

Thomas (leg) was limited to rehab work during mandatory minicamp, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas rode a stationary bike on the sideline while watching his teammates practice. There hasn't been any suggestion of a serious injury, with coach Ron Rivera saying he's hopeful the second-year pro will be ready for training camp. Thomas averaged four catches for 36.7 yards on six targets in six starts last season, typically handling a three-down role when Greg Olsen wasn't available. The 34-year-old is healthy and now has clearance for all football activities, but his recent history of foot injuries hints that Thomas may be needed this season.

Thomas (leg) was limited to side work Tuesday at OTAs, Max Henson of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite bringing his helmet out to the field, Thomas still isn't ready to practice with teammates, nursing a leg injury that doesn't appear serious. The 2018 fourth-round pick will enter training camp second on the depth chart, but Greg Olsen's recent injury history suggests Thomas has a decent shot to make starts before the end of the season. He started six games as a rookie, averaging four catches for 37 yards on six targets (with one touchdown) in those contests.

Thomas worked out off the side during Wednesday's OTA session while recovering from a sore leg, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

The injury doesn't appear to be a serious one for the tight end, who was taking part in elliptical work and didn't require a brace or boot. With the season still months away, it's not surprising that the Panthers are taking a cautious approach with Thomas. The Indiana product caught 25 of 32 targets for 246 yards and two scores over the Panthers' final five games in 2018, but he'll have a tough time replicating those results with Greg Olsen (foot) back healthy again.

Thomas finished the 2018 regular season with 36 catches on 49 targets for 333 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games played.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas' production was directly related to former Pro Bowler Greg Olsen's health, as he managed just eight receptions in the nine games Olsen played. However, when Olsen was sidelined with recurring foot issues, Thomas capitalized on his increased opportunity, particularly at the end of his rookie campaign. In Carolina's final four games, the fourth-rounder hauled in 20 of 27 targets for 200 yards and two touchdowns, topping 60 yards in two of those outings. While Cam Newton (shoulder) wasn't under center for the Panthers' last two tilts, and Olsen figures to be back next season, Thomas' strong close not only makes him an attractive insurance policy, but also someone who should garner looks of his own alongside Olsen in 2019.

Thomas caught four of five targets for 48 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Falcons

EDGE Analysis

Thomas got off to a promising start by capping off the opening drive of the game with a one-yard touchdowns catch, which was the first of his career. He also finished third on the team in receiving yardage while posting his second-best total of the season in that category, though his contribution was still rather modest. Thomas appears to already have a rapport with Taylor Heinicke, but he's far from a lock to put on a repeat performance in next Sunday's season finale against the Saints.

Thomas caught nine of 11 targets for 77 yards in Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Browns.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas struggled earlier this season when Greg Olsen was out with a foot injury, but the rookie tight end looked much more comfortable taking over as the starter this time around. He led the Panthers in targets and catches while coming up only three receiving yards short of Curtis Samuel's team-leading total. With Olsen on injured reserve, Thomas will be a popular waiver wire add ahead of a Week 15 matchup with a Saints team that just gave up two touchdowns to Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate.