Thomas is primed for a key role with teammate Greg Olsen (foot) out for the season, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas was unable to capitalize on Olsen's absence the first time around, catching eight of 14 targets for 68 yards in three games (Weeks 2-5) while averaging 54.7 snaps per contest. However, the rookie fourth-round pick looked much better in Sunday's 24-17 loss to Tampa Bay, catching each of his five targets for 46 yards after hauling in just one pass over the previous seven weeks. Thomas will kick off his second run in the starting role with a favorable Week 14 matchup at Cleveland, facing a defense that's given up the most catches (75) and targets (111) to tight ends, albeit with a mark of just 6.5 yards per target.

Thomas caught all five of his targets for 46 yards during Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas hadn't caught a pass in four games, but he was thrust into a larger role after Greg Olsen left with a foot injury. He finished third on the team in receiving yards, displaying a solid rapport with Cam Newton on short pass routes. Olsen's injury will likely end his season, reinserting Thomas as the team's top tight end down the stretch. He'll hope to improve upon his production from earlier this year and should enjoy a boost in fantasy value next Sunday against the Browns.

Thomas caught his only target for 15 yards in Sunday's 36-21 win over the Ravens.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas played eight offensive snaps working behind Greg Olsen at tight end. Although that role hasn't proven conducive to much production at all, he at least caught his lone look in Week 8.

Thomas did not play a snap on offense in Sunday's 21-17 win over the Eagles.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas has been relegated to special teams duty in light of Greg Olsen returning from injury to claim his every-down role at tight end.

Thomas played just one offensive snap in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Redskins.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas' playing time was slashed due to the return of fellow tight end Greg Olsen. The former Pro Bowler immediately played all but one offensive snap, putting concern over his foot injury behind him for the time being. Unless Olsen re-aggravates the ailment again, Thomas figures to remain in a more suitable, low-usage role.

Thomas caught three of six targets for 38 yards during Sunday's 33-31 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas tied for second on the team in targets, but he did't make much of an impact outside of a 27-yard gain in the second quarter. While this effort was modest at best for Thomas, he notched a new career high in yardage and has now improved in that category with each passing week of the season. Thomas could put up useful numbers if he ever takes full advantage of his newfound role in the offense, with his next chance to step up coming Sunday against the Redskins.

Thomas caught three of five targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 31-21 win over the Bengals.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas mustered only 10 receiving yards as the starter in Week 2, so the rookie tight end's role is slowly growing. He should continue to start while Greg Olsen (foot) sits for at least a few more weeks, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Thomas' role expand a bit after next week's bye.

Thomas caught two of three targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas played all but three offensive snaps in the wake of Greg Olsen (foot) going down in Week 1. While that heightened involvement is really encouraging for Thomas, the rookie fourth-rounder's sparse utilization in the passing game shows he still has some way to go in establishing a trusted rapport with quarterback Cam Newton. Fortunately for him, he figures to continue to get the necessary playing time, making his development worthwhile to monitor in the coming weeks.

Thomas is likely to serve as the Panthers' primary tight end with Greg Olsen (foot) expected to be sidelined for at least a month, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chris Manhertz also lingers as an experienced reserve option at tight end and the Panthers will most likely add depth to the position group via signing or trade, but Thomas, a rookie fourth-round pick from Indiana, should get the first crack at replacing Olsen thanks to the upside he offers as a pass catcher. Though the 22-year-old was considered raw heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, he offers brings quality athleticism to the position and already drew a couple looks from quarterback Cam Newton in the season-opening win over the Cowboys, corralling both of his targets and gaining four yards. Head coach Ron Rivera seemed confident Monday in Thomas' ability to fill in for Olsen, stating that the rookie "has been prepared for this moment" while praising his development as a blocker and route runner, according to Brendan Marks of The Charlotte Observer.

Thomas caught both his targets for four yards during Sunday's 16-8 win over the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas made a seven-yard catch before losing three yards on the only other pass thrown his way. Despite his modest NFL debut, he could be in for an increase in usage after teammate Greg Olsen (foot) left the game with an injury. The severity of the issue will become more clear over the next couple of days, but Thomas would profile as the main beneficiary if Olsen misses any time. His next chance to contribute will come next week against the Falcons.