Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday that Thomas (ribs) will be sidelined for a week or two, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas had to be carted off the practice field Tuesday, but it appears like he's avoided a major injury. The 2018 fourth-round pick will likely miss at least one preseason contest, but he's still expected to open the regular season as the primary backup to second-year pro Tommy Tremble.

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Thomas suffered an injury to his ribs during Tuesday's practice, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site, Thomas had to be carted off the field after suffering the injury, which is always a concerning sign, but the extent of the issue remains unclear. If healthy, the 2018 fourth-round pick is expected to be the primary backup tight end to second-year pro Tommy Tremble, who has significantly higher fantasy value than Thomas.

Thomas, who previously carried an ankle injury this offseason, caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Sam Darnold in Wednesday's practice session, Ellis L. Williams of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas has been cleared to practice after tending to a high-ankle issue during June's mandatory minicamp. While Thomas should see a decent amount of snaps with Carolina's starting unit this season, he's more of a blocking tight end than teammate Tommy Tremble, who enters his second season with comparatively higher fantasy utility than Thomas.

Thomas (ankle) remains sidelined during the Tuesday's mandatory minicamp practice, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Thomas was inadvertently kicked during a practice session and has been dealing with a high-ankle issue. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but it's possible Carolina opts to hold the tight end out until training camp at the end of July.

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday that Thomas continues to be sidelined due to a high-ankle issue, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rhule added that Thomas was inadvertently kicked during a practice session last week and has reminded sidelined since. It's unclear how serious the issue is, but the tight end's participation in training camp will give a better indication as to whether or not the injury will affect his availability for the start of the regular season.

Thomas agreed to terms with Carolina on a three-year contract Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas was scheduled to hit free agency mid-March, but he will instead stick with the team that initially selected him back in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Though the 26-year-old was effectively invisible for fantasy purposes in 2021 -- he posted just 18 catches for 188 yards without a touchdown across 17 appearances -- he did solidify himself as a capable blocker. That said, positional teammate Tommy Tremble could well be the more interesting fantasy option next season.

Thomas was not targeted in Sunday's 41-17 loss to the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas saw rookie Tommy Tremble return to the lineup and lead him in offensive snaps, contributing toward another quiet outing. Despite starting 13 of 17 games this season, Thomas managed just 18 catches on 30 targets for 188 yards and no touchdowns. The former fourth-round pick is now slated to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason, when he could offer depth to a team's options at tight end, with it unclear whether the Panthers will try to bring him back.

Thomas caught all three of his targets for 33 yards in Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas paced the Panthers in receiving yards while teammate Tommy Tremble wasn't activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list. His output was fueled by a 21-yard reception on Carolina's opening drive, gaining more yardage on that play than he'd posted in 11 individual games this season. In playing nearly 90 percent of the offensive snaps Sunday, Thomas again would stand to benefit should Tremble remain sidelined Week 18 versus the Buccaneers, but his upside nonetheless is relatively restricted overall.

Thomas and recent practice squad call-up Stephen Sullivan are left as the only tight ends on Carolina's roster as Sunday's game against the Saints approaches after Tommy Tremble landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas could be headed for a three-down role, though he's had that opportunity plenty of times in the past and never did much with it. He's also been quiet this season while splitting snaps with Tremble, catching 15 passes for 155 yards in 15 games.

Thomas caught his only target for five yards in Sunday's 31-14 loss to the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas trailed rookie Tommy Tremble in snaps, but he at least hauled in the only look sent his way. Given his small role, though, the veteran holds little fantasy value ahead of Week 16's matchup versus the Bucs.