Thomas was on the field a lot more than expected in Week 1, following teammate Tee Higgins leaving with a concussion. Thomas had one catch for five yards, on five targets, while being on the field for 64 offensive snaps.

EDGE Analysis

Among Thomas's five targets was a drop in the end zone on the play preceding Ja'Marr Chase's game-tying touchdown in the waning seconds of regulation. If Higgins has to miss a week, Thomas will take on the third receiver role, as the Bengals' don't have an obvious alternative.

The Bengals released Thomas on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas appeared in 26 games across the past two seasons with Cincinnati, totaling 18 receptions for 184 yards and one score, so his release comes as a surprise. He's only finished with over 100 receiving yards once in his six-year career, but he has extensive special-teams experience, which may be intriguing for some teams around the league.

Thomas caught two of three targets for 18 yards in Saturday's 16-7 preseason win over the Rams.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas' first catch was a 12-yarder on the Bengals' first offensive play of the game. His early usage is an encouraging sign for Thomas' standing in Cincinnati's wide receiver pecking order, as he appears to be the team's top option behind the starting trio of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins (shoulder) and Tyler Boyd. Thomas is unlikely to push any of those three for playing time, but he also appears to be a safe bet to make the 53-man roster in a reserve role.

Thomas is re-signing with the Bengals on Thursday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas will return for a third straight season in Cincinnati, where he recorded five catches for 52 yards on 11 targets last year. The depth wideout and special-teams contributor remains off the fantasy radar, however.

Thomas secured five of 11 targets for 52 yards across 12 games in 2021.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas took a statistical step back in 2021, a campaign which saw him play roughly just half the offensive snaps (133) he did in 2020. This offseason, the 27-year-old is scheduled to hit free agency.

Thomas was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas missed just one game during his stint in the league's health and safety protocols. Now that he's cleared protocols, he's expected to reclaim his usual reserve role behind the Bengals' trio of talented receivers in Week 17.

Thomas (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear whether Thomas tested positive for the virus of if he's considered a close contact, but he'll now be unavailable until he clears the health and safety protocols. He has only five catches for 52 yards in 10 games this season, so his absence shouldn't affect Cincinnati's offensive game plan.

Thomas (illness) is inactive Week 13 against the Chargers, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas did not practice all week due to illness and entered the week with a doubtful tag as a result. He had primarily been a special teamer when active this season, a role that could end up in the hands Trenton Irwin or the recently activated Pooka Williams.

Thomas (illness) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Bengals team reporter Marisa Contipelli reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas looks like he'll miss out on a potential opportunity for a few extra snaps on offense, as fellow wide receiver Auden Tate (calf) is also listed as doubtful. The 27-year-old Thomas hasn't caught more than one pass in a game this season.

Thomas (illness) missed a second consecutive practice Thursday, Ben Baby of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas is in danger of sitting out Sunday's game against the Chargers due to this non-COVID illness. A return to the practice field in any capacity Friday would be an encouraging sign for his availability.