Is Adam Thielen playing today? Latest on Panthers WR for Fantasy Football Week 12

Adam Thielen has endured a nightmare 2024 season. The veteran wide receiver has missed seven consecutive games due to a hamstring injury, and he hasn't been able to help the Carolina Panthers in Dave Canales' first season in charge.

Let's examine Thielen's availability ahead of the Panthers' Week 12 fixture against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Is Adam Thielen playing today?

Yes, Adam Thielen is playing in today's game against the two-time reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Thielen is set to make his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury.

The former Minnesota Vikings star suffered the injury as he snagged a 31-yard touchdown pass in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sep. 22. He has since been on the long and arduous road to recovery in the ongoing NFL season. Thankfully for the Panthers, coach Dave Canales said on Friday that Thielen will likely make his return to the Gridiron against the Kansas City Chiefs.

While Thielen is set to feature in Week 12, the Panthers will be without a key offensive piece in arguably their toughest test of the season. They'll be without veteran running back Miles Sanders due to an ankle injury. Hence, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks will likely get the bulk of carries on Sunday.

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How did Adam Thielen perform before the injury?

Adam Thielen started the 2024 season as the Carolina Panthers' primary pass catcher. He did a decent job in his first three games of the season, amassing eight receptions, 109 receiving yards and one touchdown in three games.

Thielen will now return to a team where rookie wide receivers Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette have stepped up as Bryce Young's primary weapons. He'll likely play a mentorship role for the rest of the season as Dave Canales figures out the way forward for the constantly rebuilding Panthers.

However, the team must first navigate what's bound to be a tricky game against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Panthers will have their work cut out against a stingy Chiefs defense and Mahomes' powered offense.