AdamThielen

News: 9 hours agoThielen (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Spin: Though he was activated from injured reserve during the Panthers' Week 11 bye, Thielen had still been listed as questionable heading into Sunday after logging a trio of limited practices this week. The Panthers were ultimately satisfied enough with the veteran wideout's health to clear him to play for the first time since Week 3, and he could immediately settle into a high-volume role in the passing attack. Since Thielen last played, the Panthers have traded away No. 1 wideout Diontae Johnson to the Ravens, and Carolina will also be down another key pass catcher Sunday in undrafted rookie receiver Jalen Coker (quadricep), who played 90 percent of the offensive snaps in a Week 10 win over the Giants.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Thielen is entering his 11th NFL season (second in Carolina) after a surprising rebound campaign in 2023 in which he cleared both 100 receptions and 1,000 yards. Thielen benefited from heavy usage as Bryce Young's only reliable target, ranking third among WRs in routes (605), 17th in target share (25%) and ninth in receptions (103). Thielen played well (his 76% catch rate ranked third) and ended up 17th at the position in fantasy points despite Carolina's overall offensive struggles. Thielen is likely headed for a step back in 2024, however, as he's now 34 years old and has substantially more competition for targets (Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette). Thielen should be valued as a low-ceiling flex option.