The Carolina Panthers secured their first win of the season this past weekend, but also faced a significant setback.
Veteran wide receiver was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury he sustained during a 31-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. As per league rules, the 34-year-old will be sidelined for at least four weeks.
Before the injury, he had recorded eight receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown this season. Last year, he was the Panthers’ top offensive contributor with 103 catches, 1,014 yards, and four touchdowns.
He played college football for the Minnesota State Mavericks before joining the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013. The Vikings released him in March 2023.
Afterward, Thielen signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Carolina Panthers and had an outstanding 2023 season, achieving his first 100-catch, 1,000-yard campaign since 2018.
He also set an NFL record with eight consecutive games of 100+ receiving yards.
Additionally, the Panthers placed safety Jordan Fuller on injured reserve.
The Panthers secured their first win since Week 15 of the 2023 season with a 36-22 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. This win came after veteran quarterback Andy Dalton started in place of former No. 1 pick Bryce Young.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Young responded well to the benching, but confirmed that Dalton will remain the starter.
“Andy is our quarterback,” Canales said on Monday. “He gives us the best chance to win, and that’s the mindset as we prepare for the Bengals.”
Dalton delivered a strong performance, completing 26 of 37 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Under Young, the Panthers’ offense struggled, ranking 32nd in the league with an average of 176 yards and 6.5 points per game in the first two contests.
Carolina will face the 0-3 Cincinnati Bengals this weekend, a team eager for their first win.
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