Carolina Panthers

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.

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (finger) was limited in Wednesday's practice. While the injury isn't serious, the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure his full recovery before their season opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Sanders was the Panthers' starting running back this time last year, but circumstances have shifted since then. He is expected to serve as a backup to Chuba Hubbard at the start of the season, provided his injury doesn't hinder his performance. However, this situation could change when Jonathon Brooks (knee) returns from the reserve/non-football injury list. If Sanders' participation is restricted, Hubbard will likely see an increased workload, as he is already expected to handle the majority of the running back duties for the Panthers.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) will miss at least the first four games of the regular season after he was placed on the PUP list amidst his torn ACL recovery. This will delay Brooks' NFL debut, and he'll face an uphill battle to emerge as the Panthers' No. 1 running back once he's healthy. While Brooks is undoubtedly the Panthers' franchise running back, it could be difficult for him to win the job over Chuba Hubbard in the middle of the season while recovering from a serious injury and still acclimating to the NFL caliber of play. In other words, a Week 5 return wouldn't necessarily mean he'd warrant a spot in your Week 5 starting lineup. At the very least, fantasy managers should tamper expectations when Brooks gets healthy and be prepared to exercise patience as he gets adjusted to the NFL.