Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen returned to practice on Thursday, according to Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer.
Greg Olsen returns to practice, presents immense fantasy value if active
The Panthers may opt to play Greg Olsen on Sunday despite their 13-0 record. We break down the fantasy implications.
Olsen's return to practice puts him on track to suit up for Sunday's game against the New York Giants. He was sidelined with a minor knee injury in Week 14's blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons, but with the Panthers sitting at 13-0, it's possible that even minor injuries would be enough to keep game-changing players like Olsen inactive.
Fantasy impact: It appears that Olsen is making strides toward suiting up against the Giants, since the Panthers have not technically clinched home-field advantage for the playoffs. A win and a Cardinals loss on Sunday would do that, however, and could force several Panthers starters from action in the remaining regular season games. Fantasy owners who have stock in the Panthers offense should want the Panthers to be 13-1 after Sunday, since it would force them to play in another meaningful Sunday with their core intact.
Olsen would be a high-end TE1 if he suits up on Sunday, but fantasy owners need to be prepared for the possibility that he sits.
