Carolina Panthers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Carolina Panthers wide receivers Adam Thielen (hamstring) and Xavier Legette (toe) were listed as limited participants in Thursday's practice. Thielen has not played since Week 3 due to a hamstring injury that caused him to go on the Injured Reserve list. Legette has had a solid start to his NFL career, catching 22 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns. Both players saw a fantasy football value boost after Diontae Johnson was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, but it's tough to get too high on either player with quarterback Bryce Young under center. However, Thielen posted a 1,000-yard season with Young in 2023, so he could have PPR value in the second half of the 2024 campaign. Rookie Jalen Coker is also a candidate to benefit from Johnson's departure. Fantasy managers should monitor Legette's and Thilen's status on Friday before Week 9 start-or-sit decisions.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) practiced in full for a second straight day, suggesting he is close to making his NFL debut. The rookie is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered at Texas in late November of last year, and with the Panthers struggling to begin the season, he has been eased into action. If Brooks plays against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, he should likely be left on the bench in fantasy football until we get an idea of what his potential workload will be. Chuba Hubbard has been productive as the RB1 for the Panthers, so it would be a surprise if Brooks enters a workhorse role right away. Either way, fantasy managers should monitor his status for Friday's practice and his official game designation which will be announced on Friday afternoon. He could have legitimate RB2 value down the stretch.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young will start in Week 9 according to Steve Reed of the Associated Press. Reed noted that head coach Dave Canales was impressed with how the sophomore QB performed last weekend and that he "wants to continue to find the things that he is confident in." Last Sunday against a tough Denver Broncos defense, Young turned in his best start of the season as he threw for 224 yards and two scores and two interceptions. This was his first time this season he eclipsed the 200-yard mark and tallied multiple scores in a game. He has a much more favorable matchup this weekend facing the New Orleans Saints who have allowed the 17th-most points to opposing QBs.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session according to David Newton of ESPN. Thielen has been on the injured reserve since the third week of the season after sustaining an injury against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the veteran wideout was able to practice in a limited capacity last week and seeing him continue to participate is promising sign. Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week as he could return as early as this weekend to face the New Orleans Saints. With Diontae Johnson being shipped to the Baltimore Ravens, Thielen could eventually serve as the top pass catching option in Carolina down the stretch.

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) turned in a full practice on Wednesday according to David Newton of ESPN. The former second-round selection has been sidelined throughout his entire rookie career due to a torn ACL he suffered last November. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status going forward but a full practice could suggest he may be nearing his NFL debut. However, the Panthers may opt to exercise extreme caution with their young running back given their position in the standings. For now, Brooks remains a high-end stash option. Chuba Hubbard should be expected to remain as the lead back for the time being,