Who Should I Start? Tyler Higbee or Ian Thomas

Wednesday, December 11, 5:20 PM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) has been ruled out for Week 15's Thursday night game against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. Meanwhile, fellow TE Davis Allen (shoulder) is listed as questionable. Higbee hasn't played all year after tearing his ACL and MCL in his right knee in a playoff game in January last season, although he's practiced in full the last two weeks and is nearing his season debut, potentially in Week 16 against the New York Jets. If Higbee isn't activated before next weekend's game, he'll be forced to miss the entire season. With both Higbee and Allen potentially out on Thursday night, both Colby Parkinson and Hunter Long could be forced into bigger roles in the passing game. Parkinson would be the more attractive option, but as nothing more than TE2 sleeper. Parkinson has 27 catches for 267 yards and one touchdown in 13 games in 2024.

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.