Panthers place TE Ian Thomas on injured reserve

The Carolina Panthers have placed tight end Ian Thomas on injured reserve. The team made the announcement on Saturday, a day prior to Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

Thomas has proven to be an effective blocker in the run game throughout his career. This season, he’s totaled two catches for 36 yards.

Carolina also activated tight end Stephen Sullivan from injured reserve to fill the roster spot.

Ian Thomas placed on injured reserve https://t.co/vjdlN2IutJ

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 14, 2023

Thomas is in his sixth NFL season, spending his entire career with the Panthers. During his time in Carolina, the tight end has hauled in 113 receptions for 1,035 yards and four touchdowns.

Carolina is still searching for its first win of the 2023 NFL season. The Panthers sit at 0-5 heading into Sunday’s game against Miami.

Multiple Panthers on the trading block

After an 0-5 start to the 2023 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers might be looking to make some major roster moves. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, star defensive end Brian Burns — along with other starters — could be on the trading block.

In his latest News and Notes piece, Breer suggested that Carolina could look to move on from Burns. He says the two sides are not particularly close on a long-term deal and the Panthers could get a good return on the defensive end.

“Conversation there starts with Brian Burns. He’s up after this year and owed more than eight figures for the remainder of the season (prorated portion of his $16.01 million,” Breer wrote. “But he’s also just 25 and plays a premium position. Last year the Panthers turned down an absolute haul (a 2023 third-rounder and first-rounders in ’24 and ’25) to get him. And the Panthers and Burns haven’t gotten close to striking a long-term deal.”

Burns, in his fifth year with the Panthers, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. He tallied 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks and forced a fumble last season. But the defensive end is hardly the only piece Carolina is considering moving.

Breer says three other players are “available” to be traded.

“After that, there are three guys I’ve heard are available—safety Jeremy Chinn, receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. and corner Donte Jackson,” he wrote.

It’s going to be interesting to see if Carolina makes any moves soon. Clearly, what the team has going now isn’t working. Trading for future draft picks and starting from scratch might prove to be the best option.