North Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers are adjusting to the absence of seasoned wide receiver Adam Thielen, who was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. With Thielen out, other receivers are stepping up to fill the void.

Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson expressed confidence in the remaining wideouts' ability to contribute. "I mean, everybody's game is different, so you can't expect everybody to run the routes the same. Everybody's unique in their own way," Johnson said. "So Xavier Legette is going to bring his sauce to the game. Jonathan Mingo going to bring his, I'm going to bring mine."

Thielen has been a key player for the Panthers, known for his consistent production and skill as a route-runner. Last season, he recorded 103 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. His performance continued this season until he pulled a hamstring while scoring a 31-yard touchdown last Sunday.

Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik highlighted that Thielen's veteran status meant others had opportunities during training camp. "Sometimes you've got to give guys vet days when they're in their 30s," Idzik said. "So there's been plenty of guys getting Adam's reps as well."

Legette noted that he learned from Thielen by observing him closely during training camp while recovering from a foot issue. "What I really say is just having him out there missing would be a big part of us really having to put ourselves in that mode because he was the talkative person in the group that gets everybody's mind going and get everybody ready for a play," Legette said.

Quarterback Andy Dalton emphasized communication with his targets during practice sessions without Thielen and Johnson, who was held out with a groin injury on Thursday. "I think it just comes down to what we're doing in practice and just the relationship that we have of making sure they're going to be in the right spot," Dalton said.

Johnson also praised Legette and Mingo for their abilities on the field. Regarding Legette’s strengths, Johnson mentioned his size and speed: "Just his ability to create separation at the top." For Mingo, Johnson noted: "Separation. Releases. Good hands in traffic."

The Panthers will face their first test without Thielen this Sunday against the Bengals.