CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wide receiver Adam Thielen was activated by the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, opening the door for his return after being injured against Las Vegas in Week 3.
Thielen was at the end of his 21-day practice window for a hamstring injury he suffered on a touchdown against the Raiders. If the Panthers didn't activate Thielen on Tuesday, he'd have been placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
Thielen had 8 catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in the first three weeks of the season. His return will give quarterbacks Bryce Young and Andy Dalton a consistent pass-catcher for the second half of the season. Thielen was Young's favorite target last season, hauling in 103 passes for 1,014 yards.
To make room for Thielen on the 53-man roster, the Panthers waived tight end Jordan Matthews. With the Panthers on a bye this week, Thielen's expected to return to the lineup against Kansas City on Nov. 24.