Thomas (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas was limited in practice all week due to an ankle injury, but the issue won't prevent him from suiting up in Week 4. Over the first three games of the season, he's secured five of nine targets for 79 yards.

Thomas (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas played his typical percentage of snaps Sunday against the Saints, but he apparently picked up an injury along the way, which has left him limited for the Panthers' last two practices. If Thomas is unable to go Sunday against the Cardinals, Tommy Tremble will step into the starting role.

Thomas (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas has handled 60-plus percent of offensive snaps in all three of Carolina's games this season, but he's yet to log more than two catches in a contest. He has two more chances to upgrade his activity level ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Thomas caught two of three targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 22-14 win over the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas played the most snaps of Carolina's tight ends and actually tied with a few others for the team's lead in receptions. Overall, though, he represents a low-upside option in the passing game, especially with quarterback Baker Mayfield yet to breakthrough as a Panther.

Thomas caught one of three targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 19-16 loss to the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas' Week 2 performance was more characteristic of his career than his 53-yard output to open the campaign. The veteran holds tepid value as someone down the pecking order in an underwhelming passing attack so far.

Thomas caught two of three targets for 53 yards in Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Browns.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas played almost twice as many snaps as teammate Tommy Tremble, hauling in a career-long catch of 50 yards as well. While Thomas isn't a particularly dynamic pass-catcher, it'll be worth monitoring his playing time in relation to Tremble's throughout the season as new quarterback Baker Mayfield has a history of leaning on his tight ends.

Thomas is set to return within the week, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas was carted off the practice field on Aug. 9 with an injury to his ribs, but he has apparently nearly fully recovered since. He's slated to serve as the primary backup to 2021 third-rounder Tommy Tremble this season, and will likely spend much of his time on the field on running downs.

Thomas (ribs) was present at practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fifth-year tight end is now two weeks removed from having been carted off the practice field with banged up ribs, and it appears he's nearing a full return. Thomas is Carolina's anticipated second-string tight end behind 2021 third-rounder Tommy Tremble for 2022, and will likely spend more time as a blocker than as a route-runner this season.

Thomas (ribs) isn't in line to play in Friday's preseason contest at New England, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas got banged up in practice on Wednesday, Aug. 10 and has been sidelined with a rib injury in the meantime. He's among three tight ends that won't suit up Friday -- also, Colin Thompson (calf) and Josh Babicz (undisclosed) -- making Tommy Tremble, Stephen Sullivan and Jared Scott the Panthers available at the position.

Thomas (ribs) is expected to continue catching passes this coming week, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After sustaining a rib injury at practice Tuesday, Thomas was carted off the field and slated to be out 1-to-2 weeks, so the fifth-year tight end may be ahead of schedule in his recovery. Once he returns to the field, he'll be firmly entrenched as the No. 2 tight end to Tommy Tremble.