The Carolina Panthers celebrated their first victory of the season this past weekend, but the triumph came with a significant setback. Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen has been placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury sustained during a 31-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter of the game. According to league rules, he will be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks.
Before his injury, Thielen had been a standout performer for the Panthers this season, accumulating eight receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown. Last year, he led the team’s offense with an impressive total of 103 catches, amassing 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. His consistent performance made him a key player for the Panthers.
Thielen’s football journey began at Minnesota State University, where he played college football for the Mavericks. After going undrafted in 2013, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played for several years. However, the Vikings released him in March 2023, leading Thielen to sign a lucrative three-year, $25 million contract with the Panthers. This season has marked a resurgence for him, as he recorded his first 100-reception and 1,000-yard season since 2018. Remarkably, he also set an NFL record by posting over 100 receiving yards in eight consecutive games.
In addition to Thielen’s injury, the Panthers have also placed safety Jordan Fuller on injured reserve, further depleting their roster.
Despite the loss of Thielen, the Panthers secured a 36-22 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, marking their first win since Week 15 of the previous season. The victory was achieved with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton leading the charge, as he started in place of former first overall pick Bryce Young. Panthers coach Dave Canales noted that Young accepted the benching well, but emphasized that Dalton will remain the starting quarterback moving forward. “Andy’s our quarterback,” Canales stated on Monday. “He gives us our best chance to win. That’s the approach as we get ready for the Bengals.”
In the game against the Raiders, Dalton showcased his skills by completing 26 of 37 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. This performance was a significant improvement for the Panthers’ offense, which had struggled earlier in the season, ranking 32nd in the NFL during the first two weeks under Young, with a dismal average of 176 yards and 6.5 points per game.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will host the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend. The Bengals, currently winless at 0-3, are also in desperate need of a victory, setting the stage for a compelling matchup. The Panthers will need to rally together in Thielen’s absence and maintain the momentum from their recent win as they prepare for the challenge ahead.