6 years agoCarolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera suggested that rookie tight end Ian Thomas is ready to step into a starting role with Greg Olsen (foot) expected to miss extended time. Chris Manhertz suffered a Jones fracture earlier this summer and is more of a blocking tight end anyway. Rivera said Thomas "has been being prepared for this moment." “I think he’s pretty well-prepared,” Rivera said of Thomas on Monday. “There are some things obviously that he still has to learn, and he’s got a long ways to go in terms of that natural feel that Greg has, having that rapport that Greg has, so we’ll see." While Thomas is inexperienced and raw, he'll have an opportunity that fantasy owners can't ignore. If you own Olsen or Delanie Walker (ankle), Thomas should be on your radar going into Week 2.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Brendan Marks