Who Should I Start? Ian Thomas or Sam LaPorta

Saturday, September 7, 1:42 PM

The Carolina Panthers placed tight end Ian Thomas (calf) on Injured Reserve on Saturday after already ruling him out for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. In addition to putting Thomas on IR, the team also waived cornerback Keenan Isaac and signed tight end Feleipe Franks and defensive tackle Jayden Peevy to the active 53-man roster from the practice squad. Thomas will now miss at least the first four weeks of the 2024 season after being sidelined since early in training camp with a calf injury. Tommy Tremble (back, hamstring) has already been ruled out for Week 1 as well, so Carolina is entering the regular season already thin at the TE position, meaning rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders will mostly likely be thrust into the top pass-catching role right away.

Sunday, October 20, 8:25 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta struggled in Week 7, contributing minimally in the 31-29 win over the Minnesota Vikings. LaPorta managed just one catch on two targets for 25 yards, marking another disappointing performance. He has now finished with single-digit fantasy points in five of six games this season, a sharp contrast from his consistency last year. Despite the Lions' offensive success, LaPorta's role remains limited, leaving fantasy managers searching for answers. The Lions will aim to get him more involved in their Week 8 home matchup against the Tennessee Titans.