Adam Thielen's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) said he thinks the plan is for the team to open his 21-day practice window this Wednesday. Thielen has missed all four games during the team's losing streak and will be eligible to come off Injured Reserve and play in Week 8 versus the Denver Broncos. The 32-year-old is recovering from a right-hamstring injury, but even if his practice window is opened this week, it won't guarantee his return to the field on Sunday. When Thielen does return, he'll enter three-wide sets alongside Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette, but he's unlikely to have the kind of fantasy upside he had in 2023 now that Legette is in the picture. The veteran pass-catcher had eight catches on 12 targets for 109 yards with a touchdown in three games before his injury. Those searching for wideout depth in deeper fantasy leagues could look to Thielen for depth if he's available.

When asked about the status of wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring), Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales stated he would not need surgery. It's good news for the veteran wideout, who was placed on the team's injured reserve Tuesday due to a hamstring injury he picked up in Carolina's first win of the season. Before his exit in the second quarter, Thielen had modest production, reeling in 3-of-5 targets for 40 yards and a score. The touchdown -- a 31-yard reception -- is the play in which he injured himself. He'll now miss at least the team's next four matchups. Soft-tissue issues -- particularly hamstrings -- can linger, so it's best to exhibit caution when slotting him back into your lineup upon his return. In his stead, wide receivers Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo project to pick up some extra work. Carolina will look to get in the win column again when they host the visiting Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4.

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette could see more opportunities with Adam Thielen (hamstring) placed on Injured Reserve, according to Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer. The rookie out of South Carolina has six catches for 77 yards in three games this season. With Thielen out now, Legette could emerge as a secondary target for new quarterback Andy Dalton behind Diontae Johnson. Dalton was much more effective in leading the Panthers' offense in Week 3 and looks like an upgrade over Bryce Young. Legette could benefit from that and the increased snap share he is likely to see with Thielen sidelined. Legette is looking like a sneaky waiver-wire addition ahead of what could be a breakout Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals.