Thielen (hamstring) said Monday that he anticipates being ready to play Sunday against Kansas City, Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official site reports. "I mean, obviously a lot of days from now until the game, but encouraged with how [Monday's workout] went," Thielen said. "But still have to gain some ground to feel really good about playing on Sunday, but definitely encouraged, took full advantage of the week and excited to at least be back out there moving around and being with my team."
Head coach Dave Canales echoed the notion that Thielen is expected to be back in action Sunday. Though the veteran wideout was reinstated from injured reserve when his 21-day evaluation window came to an end last Tuesday, he was listed as a non-participant in the Panthers' most recent three practice sessions prior to the team's Week 11 bye. Thielen didn't appear to be doing much work on the field during Monday's unofficial practice session, but he's apparently confident about the progress he's made in his recovery from his right hamstring injury. Thielen produced an 8-109-1 receiving line on 12 targets through Carolina's first three games prior to landing on IR, and he should have an opportunity to serve as the team's No. 1 pass catcher down the stretch with Diontae Johnson now a Raven.