Impact Thomas set new season highs in catches and yards, and while that obviously marks encouraging progress, his overall totals still weren't enough to make much of a fantasy impact.
NOVEMBER 2, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
IAN THOMAS #80 - TIGHT END - CAROLINA PANTHERS
7 YDS •
3 REC •
0 TD
7 YDS
3 REC
0 TD
Makes three grabs Thomas caught all three of his targets for 28 yards in Thursday night's 25-17 loss to the Falcons.
Another one-catch performance Thomas caught his only target for 11 yards in Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Saints.
Impact Thomas' output from Sunday was right in line with his prior outings this season, as he's not yet topped two catches or 20 yards through any of Carolina's seven games. As a result, fantasy expectations for Thomas should remain low despite a favorable matchup against the Falcons in Week 8.
OCTOBER 26, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Carolina Panthers could use McCaffrey's help in red zone
The Carolina Panthers are struggling in the red zone and really miss Christian McCaffreyOCTOBER 19, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Makes one grab Thomas caught his only target for nine yards in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Bears.
Impact Thomas played nearly 70 percent of Carolina's offensive snaps but yet again made minimal impact from a receiving standpoint. Through six games, the tight end sports just six grabs for 39 yards and a touchdown, leaving him on the outskirts of fantasy relevancy.
OCTOBER 19, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
No catches in Week 5 Thomas failed to catch his only target in Sunday's 23-16 win over the Falcons.
Impact Thomas featured for 65 percent of Carolina's offensive snaps, yet saw only one pass come his way. That low usage is nothing new for Thomas, however, as he's totaled just five catches on 10 targets for 30 yards and a touchdown through five weeks. Such a restricted role in the passing game gives Thomas minimal fantasy value.
OCTOBER 12, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Hauls in touchdown Thomas caught two of five targets for five yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-21 win over the Cardinals.
Impact Thomas has now managed merely 30 receiving yards through four games, but his touchdown from two yards Sunday at least offered a glimmer of hope. He actually saw fewer snaps Sunday than fellow tight end Chris Manhertz, who finished with one catch for 17 yards. With neither option being particularly productive, Carolina's starting tight-end role hasn't meant much in fantasy terms thus far.
OCTOBER 5, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Mayfield, Garrett, Beckham lead surging Browns past Cowboys
OCTOBER 4, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Catches one pass Thomas caught one of two targets for nine yards in Sunday's 21-16 win over the Chargers.
Impact Thomas was unsuccessfully targeted on Carolina's first offensive play, then hauled in his only other look shortly after committing a holding penalty in the second quarter. Through three games, the tight end has managed just three grabs for 25 yards despite his regular starting role, making for a disappointing fantasy return to date.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Not targeted Sunday Thomas was not targeted in Sunday's 31-17 loss to the Buccaneers.
Impact Thomas played over half of Carolina's offensive snaps, yet didn't see any of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's 42 passing attempts come his way. On a day Bridgewater finished with 367 passing yards, Thomas' complete lack of involvement comes as a concern. The tight end will be desperate to make a larger impact in Week 3 versus the Chargers, but Sunday's goose egg sets the bar incredibly low.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Just two targets Thomas caught both of his targets for 16 total receiving yards in Sunday's 34-30 loss to the Raiders.
Impact Thomas featured on two-thirds of Carolina's offensive snaps, but he hardly got involved in the team's passing game. With all but five targets going to D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, Curtis Samuel and Christian McCaffrey, Thomas' placement down the Panthers' pecking order was well illustrated. As the starting tight end, however, Thomas at least should see enough playing time to make a bigger impact in upcoming weeks.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Practices without limitations Thomas (toe) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Myles Simmons of the Panthers' official site reports.
Impact Thomas suffered a toe injury last Monday, but he's already resumed operating at full capacity. He's set to serve as Carolina's top tight end during Sunday's season opener against the Raiders, though Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson will all likely slot in ahead of Thomas in terms of target share.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Panthers place receiver Kirkwood on IR with shoulder injury
The Panthers have placed wide receiver Keith Kirkwood on the reserve/injured list with a broken clavicleSEPTEMBER 7, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
In line to play Week 1 Coach Matt Rhule believes Thomas (toe) will be available Week 1 versus the Raiders, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.
Impact One week removed from injuring his toe last Monday, Thomas may not be back on the field just yet, meaning Wednesday's practice will have some bearing on his ability to suit up in the opener. He doesn't have much competition for targets from position mates Chris Manhertz and Colin Thompson, but Thomas likely won't be higher than fourth in the pecking order within the Panthers offense behind Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Panthers cut RB Bonnafon to get down to 53-player limit
The Panthers waived running back Reggie Bonnafon as part of the roster moves to get down to 53 players on SaturdaySEPTEMBER 5, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Deemed day-to-day Thomas (toe) is considered day-to-day, Myles Simmons of the Panthers' official site reports.
Impact Coach Matt Rhule has now made multiple comments suggesting the toe injury Thomas suffered Monday isn't serious. Assuming he's okay, the third-year pro is set to serve as Carolina's top tight end in a Week 1 home game against the Raiders.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Panthers Ian Thomas injures foot in practice Luckily it does not appear to be serious
SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 • CATSCRATCHREADER.COM
Ian Thomas talks about new opportunities in 2020 Third-year tight end Ian Thomas talks about his outlook for 2020 after the departure of Greg Olsen.
AUGUST 18, 2020 • PANTHERS.COM
Fantasy Football TE Sleepers: Ian Thomas, Irv Smith Jr., and Taysom Hill (?) among potential breakout tight ends If you miss out on an elite tight end early in your fantasy football draft, you'll be hoping to hit on a breakout later -- even if that mean...
AUGUST 11, 2020 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM
Why Carolina Panthers tight end Ian Thomas is a 2020 fantasy football breakout candidate | Fantasy Football News, Rankings and Projections | PFF With Greg Olsen having departed to join the Seattle Seahawks, tight end Ian Thomas is in prime position to break out in 2020 with the Caroli...
JULY 15, 2020 • PFF.COM
A plea to Matt Rhule: Free Ian Thomas! The third year tight end should finally get the opportunity to prove what he’s capable of.
MAY 25, 2020 • CATSCRATCHREADER.COM
Ian Thomas hopes he’ll be Greg Olsen’s heir as top Panthers tight end Ian Thomas has played in every game for the Panthers over the last two seasons, which means he helped fill in during the nine games that Gre...
FEBRUARY 17, 2020 • NBC.COM
Kirtland Central’s Ian Thomas talks winning District 1-4A 220-pound Kirtland Central's Ian Thomas defeats Aztec's Caleb Varzeas via 4-3 decision to win District 1-4A 220-pound division title Saturday at Bobca...
FEBRUARY 16, 2020 • DAILY-TIMES.COM
Panthers Preview Capsule
Panthers Preview CapsuleAUGUST 29, 2018
Panthers rookie TE Ian Thomas making impact already
The Panthers are starting to feel like they have hit on something big with fourth-round draft pick Ian ThomasAUGUST 20, 2018
