Thomas (calf) is questionable for Sunday's outing against the Falcons, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas could play in his first game of the season against Atlanta, but he'll need to be activated off injured reserve on Sunday morning. The 6-foot-4 tight end, if able to play, could see some opportunities on the field as starting tight end Tommy Tremble has already been ruled out for Sunday's game.

Thomas (calf) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Carolina's official team site reports.

EDGE Analysis

It looked like Thomas could see a return off injured reserve as early as this week with a full practice Wednesday, but he may be used with more caution and pushed to a return next week. The 6-foot-4 tight end will likely need a full practice on Friday if there's any hope of an active status Sunday against the Falcons.

Thomas (calf) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas appears to be nearing a return to the field after missing Carolina's first five games of the season due to a calf issue, but the 28-year-old must still be activated to the team's active roster in order to suit up Sunday. Head coach Dave Canales told reporters Wednesday that Thomas could "absolutely" be back for the Panthers' Week 6 matchup against the Falcons if he proves he's moved past his calf injury during practice this week, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press.

Thomas (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Chicago, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas gave himself a shot at returning from injured reserve after logging limited practice sessions all week, but he'll have to wait until Week 6 against Atlanta to potentially make his 2024 debut. Thomas has been on IR since injuring his calf in early September.

Thomas (calf) was limited in practice Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas, who was designated to return to practice Wednesday, has logged three straight limited sessions. He officially remains on IR, but it sounds like the depth tight end has a fair shot to be activated to the 53-man roster and play versus Chicago on Sunday. Panthers head coach Dave Canales said all players listed as questionable are trending in the right direction to play, per Joe Person of The Athletic.

Thomas (calf) was a limited participant during practice Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas was also limited Wednesday, when he returned to the field after being designated to return from injured reserve. His status for Sunday's matchup will likely remain in the air until at least Friday as he looks to work back from the multi-week injury.

Thomas (calf) was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas has been out of action since before the season began and has missed the mandatory four games on IR. He'll now be able to practice with the team, although he'll have to be added back to the 53-man roster to suit up Sunday against the Bears.

Thomas (calf) is expected to be designated to return from injured reserve this week, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas has missed the minimum four games and is now eligible to return to action. Once he is officially designated to return, he'll be able to practice with the team, but that doesn't guarantee he'll return this Sunday against the Bears. More clarity on his status for the matchup will likely come later in the week.

Thomas (calf) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Both Thomas and expected backup Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back) were both ruled out Friday, which means fourth-round rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders will make his first career start Sunday against the Saints. Thomas wasn't particularly useful from a fantasy perspective last year, but he was a reliable blocker and had played at least 600 snaps from 2020-22. The seven-year veteran won't be eligible to return until early October.

Thomas (calf) isn't practicing Friday and said he won't play in Sunday's game against the Saints, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fellow tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back) also is absent from Friday's practice, leaving rookie fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders as the likely No. 1 tight end for his NFL debut. The Panthers have Jordan Matthews and Messiah Swinson on the roster for depth, and Thomas suggested he could be back as soon as Week 2 against the Chargers.