Ian Thomas

Panthers placed TE Ian Thomas on injured reserve.

The team did designate him for return, meaning the veteran tight end will miss the next four games, at minimum. Carolina’s tight end stable is wide open at present, with Tommy Tremble ruled out and a pair of rookies and converted wide receiver Jordan Matthews left standing on the active roster for Week 1. Either way, expect the offense to flow through recent addition Diontae Johnson and running back Chuba Hubbard against the Saints.