Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have ruled out tight ends Tommy Tremble (hamstring, back) and Ian Thomas (calf) for the team's season opener against the New Orleans Saints. Both players did not participate in any practices this week. Rookie fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders is now in line to start in his NFL debut. Converted veteran wide receiver Jordan Matthews and Messiah Swinson will back up the rookie. Bryce Young and the Carolina offense aren't expected to pick up a lot of yards through the air. Sanders should only be rostered in Dynasty formats.

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (finger) was a full-go in practice on Thursday after he was limited on Wednesday. After being limited in the first official practice of the regular season, Sanders now looks ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Even with rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) missing the first four games of the season while on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Sanders belongs on benches to open the year as the clear backup behind starter Chuba Hubbard in Carolina's backfield. The 27-year-old didn't have much of a chance in the Panthers' atrocious offense in 2023 and averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry. He is, at best, an early-season handcuff for Hubbard in deeper fantasy leagues.

Carolina Panthers tight ends Tommy Tremble (back, hamstring) and Ian Thomas (calf) were both held out of practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. As things stand now, both tight ends are questionable to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Fantasy managers shouldn't really be looking to the Panthers for their starting TE anyway, but Carolina's depth at the position could be tested right away to kick off the 2024 season. Outside of Tremble and Thomas, rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews and Messiah Swinson are their healthy options at the position. Sanders could be thrown into the fire right away in his NFL debut on Sunday if both Tremble and Thomas are ruled out. He is only worth stashing in really deep redraft formats and dynasty/keeper leagues.

The Carolina Panthers signed rookie running back Dillon Johnson to the practice squad on Thursday, according to NFL.com. Johnson went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft following a stellar season at Washington. While playing in a loaded offense featuring Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan, Johnson rushed 233 times for 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns in 14 games last season. He spent time with the Tennessee Titans this offseason before being let go on July 25. He was signed by Carolina on July 31 but waived on August 19. Carolina won't have Jonathon Brooks (knee) for at least the first four games of the season, and with Miles Sanders (finger) banged up, Johnson adds depth to the practice squad. For now, he's nowhere near the fantasy football radar.

Carolina Panthers tight ends Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back) and Ian Thomas (calf) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Both were listed as starters on the unofficial depth chart released yesterday. Tremble has been struggling with a tight hamstring since the early days of training camp, and the Panthers have now also listed him with a back injury in their first practice report of the season. Thomas has been sidelined since early August with a calf injury, joining Tremble. With both players still unable to practice, rookie fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders, along with Jordan Matthews and Messiah Swinson, are the only healthy tight ends on the roster. Sanders could see significant action in his NFL debut if Tremble and Thomas remain unavailable. However, until further notice, it's advisable to avoid starting any tight end for the Panthers. The Panthers are set to open their season against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.