For the first time in Bryce Young’s young NFL career, the Carolina Panthers have won back-to-back games. The Panthers are on a BYE this week, allowing the team to rest, recover, and get an additional week to heal from their injuries. Highlighting one of the players who missed more than half of the season is their veteran offensive weapon.
The Carolina Panthers Pro Bowler hasn’t played since Week 3
Adam Thielen hasn’t played in a game since Week 3 because of a hamstring injury against the Las Vegas Raiders. The severe hamstring injury caused the Panthers to place Thielen on injured reserve ahead of Week 4. Since then, he hasn’t participated in their last seven games.
Although Thielen has spent the last seven weeks on injured reserve, the Panthers designated him for return on October 23. Opening his practice window allows him to practice with the team in a 21-day window before he can return to the active roster, but if they choose not to activate him, he will miss the entire season. Tomorrow marks the final day for the Panthers to activate Thielen before he reverts to injured reserve and misses the rest of the season.
They have made their decision
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Carolina Panthers have activated Adam Thielen from injured reserve just in time. Thielen will have an extra week to recover from his hamstring injury since they have a BYE. The additional week of rest should allow him to be ready for their next game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The #Panthers have activated WR Adam Thielen from IR, at the end of his 21-day window to practice. He’s been dealing with a hamstring injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 12, 2024
The impact of his return
Having Adam Thielen back in the starting lineup impacts the offense for three main reasons. First, Bryce Young gets one of his favorite weapons to throw to and rely upon. Second, Thielen brings experience and veteran leadership to a relatively young and inexperienced receiver group, consisting of two rookies. Third, having him back will undoubtedly assist with their young quarterback’s development.
