Who Should I Start? Tyler Conklin or Ian Thomas

Sunday, January 5, 10:04 PM

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin caught two of his three targets for 16 yards and a touchdown in a 32-20 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. Conklin made his way into history books as he was on the receiving end of the 500th touchdown pass of Aaron Rodgers' career in the second quarter. The veteran tight end was quietly productive in 2024, finishing with 51 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games. Conklin is now slated to become an unrestricted free-agent this offseason and should have little trouble finding work with four straight 50-catch seasons under his belt.

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.