Team news: Carolina Panthers | Page 19

The Carolina Panthers signed TE Ian Thomas to a three-year contract with $16.5 million.

Related Player: Tommy Tremble

This seems like a bit of an overpay for a tight end who has failed to flourish. His career-high in receiving yards is 333, which was collected his rookie year (2018). Head coach Matt Rhule needs to decide if Thomas has any offensive future with the team drafting Tommy Tremble in 2021.

With Justin Fields in COVID-19 protocols, QB Andy Dalton will start for the Chicago Bears Week 18 according to HC Matt Nagy.

Dalton has some upside in 2QB or Superflex leagues, but that is about it.

The Chicago Bears have placed QB Justin Fields on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Related Players: Andy Dalton, Nick Foles

Bears QB Justin Fields (ankle) was limited in his first practice since injuring his ankle. QB Andy Dalton was a full participant.

Related Player: Nick Foles

Foles played well in his spot start Week 16 and is probably a better option than Dalton should Fields miss Week 17.

Viking put RB Alexander Mattison and WR Dan Chisena on COVID-19 reserve list, guard Kyle Hinton on practice squad COVID-19 list and LB Ryan Connelly goes to IR.

Related players: Dalvin Cook, Wayne Gallman, Kene Nwangwu, C.J. Ham

The Viking claimed RB Gallman off waivers in another move. Gallman likely at least slides in behind Cook and Nwangwu. Cook was dominant last week coming back from a shoulder injury but has dealt with his share of injuries this year and in his career, so his handcuff any given week is always worth noting.

It’s uncertain whether Justin Fields will start at quarterback against the Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

“That’s going to be an ongoing discussion for us all week long,” Bears coach Matt Nagy said Monday. “So starting today as we start to game plan and then as it goes the rest of this week and I’m sure as each day passes, we’ll have more and more of an idea of where he’s at."

Related players: Andy Dalton

It's more of a pain-tolerance for Fields and the team isn't going to put him at risk. The fact Fields practiced last week, albeit in a limited fashion, should be a good sign for his potential to return, the story said.

Bears QB Andy Dalton will start Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. Justin Fields continues to nurse a rib injury.

No surprise here. Dalton has a difficult matchup against Arizona, especially with Allen Robinson doubtful.