Carolina Panthers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. Although Thielen did practice earlier this week, he was sidelined Friday and ultimately downgraded to out on Saturday. Sunday will represent his sixth consecutive absence, leaving Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker in line to operate as the Panthers' top receivers.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (toe) is expected to suit up for the Week 9 clash with the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers offense has struggled throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, with Diontae Johnson now a Baltimore Raven and Adam Thielen (hamstring) listed as doubtful, fantasy managers are excited about Legette's potential moving ahead, even more so because he's found the end zone in two of the Panthers' previous three contests. With that in mind, the rookie should be considered at least a flex option, assuming he gets the green light to get on the field.

The Carolina Panthers continue to receive calls from interested teams in former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, but the Panthers aren't considering moving him at this time, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. Young will make a second straight start in Week 9 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints, and Carolina was encouraged by his improvements in the Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos. NFL executives think that if the Panthers eventually decide to trade him, they'll get a better deal in the offseason. Young is apparently off the table for now in a trade, but the Panthers are believed to be open to dealing running back Miles Sanders and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. The 23-year-old Young went 24-for-37 for 224 yards with his first touchdown of the year and two picks last Sunday. Don't expect much improvement, if any, against the Saints this week with Diontae Johnson out of town and rookie receiver Xavier Legette (toe) questionable to play.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Thielen logged two limited practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday but was sidelined on Friday. The veteran wideout is now in danger of missing his sixth-straight contest. During the first three weeks of the season, Thielen caught at least two passes in each game and averaged 36.3 yards per game. While the 34-year-old remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker to lead the air attack.

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is not expected to play despite being listed as questionable according to David Newton of ESPN. Head coach Dave Canales noted that the rookie running back is progressing well but is not expected to play this weekend. Brooks was able to participate in full during all of the practices this week which is a great sign for his availability heading into Week 10. The Panthers are opting to exercise caution with their former second-round pick who suffered a torn ACL last November. Brooks remains a high-end stash candidate. Chuba Hubbard should be given another heavy dose of work this weekend and is a viable RB2 in all formats.