Carolina Panthers: Key players to watch against the Atlanta Falcons

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball against James Bradberry #24 of the Carolina Panthers in the 1st quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 17: Ian Thomas #80 of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Ian Thomas

In addition to the changes on the offensive line, the Panthers will be without one of their top receiving options with Greg Olsen re-fracturing his right foot. This injury forced him to miss nine games last year however Olsen hopes he can come back sooner than that this year.

This is not a short-term injury and presents a big opportunity in the early stages of Ian Thomas’ career. The Panthers selected the tight end out of Indiana in the fourth round and he will likely step into the starting lineup.

Thomas showed some flashes during the preseason, including a 27-yard touchdown reception against the Miami Dolphins. Hopefully, he is able to replicate some of this during the regular season as Cam Newton has relied fairly heavily on this position.

The loss of Deion Jones and Keanu Neal in this Falcons’ defense could present a mismatch that Thomas can exploit.

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