In what was a resurgent outing for their 2024 season, the Carolina Panthers pulled off a stunning upset of the Las Vegas Raiders this past Sunday. The 36-22 triumph was headlined by veteran Andy Dalton, who tossed for 319 yards and three touchdowns in his very first start of the campaign.
Just one week ago, fans were already drowned in the team’s seemingly certain demise. But now, at least there’s a bit of excitement in the air.
So as we move ahead into the Week 4 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals with some optimism, let’s open up this week’s mailbag and answer your inquiries . . .
Adam Thielen’s injury
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How serious is Adam Thielen’s injury and what is his return status? – Joy O.
Who takes Adam Thielen’s targets? – Johnny
Thielen went down a hero before the half on Sunday, as he injured his hamstring while reeling in a spectacular 31-yard touchdown pass from Dalton. He did not return to the game and would later be placed on injured reserve, knocking him out for at least the next four weeks.
Head coach Dave Canales said Thielen’s injury does not require surgery, a sigh of relief for an offense that uses him as a security blanket. But the reliable veteran will now miss the tilts against Cincinnati, the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders.
Although they’ll have to manage without Thielen for this intriguing stretch, the coaching staff seems confident in the rest of the wideout room. Outside of their top target in Diontae Johnson, expect Jonathan Mingo and Xavier Legette to see more playing time. It’s unclear who will take Thielen’s targets in the slot, but Mingo seems like a plausible candidate with Legette expected to man plenty of snaps at the Z receiver spot.
The team’s depth at the position will feature David Moore and undrafted free agent Jalen Coker, a draft community darling in the offseason. There is a chance all five receivers will see the field this Sunday.
Andy Dalton for the long haul?
Sep 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) celebrates after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
We get the “dub,” now the question is how long do we ride with Andy Dalton? Everyone saw the whole team’s attitude change. You could feel the win coming. – Allan J.
The Panthers were in the spotlight for all of the wrong reasons after their decision to bench second-year quarterback…
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