Thielen isn't expected to play in Saturday's preseason contest versus the Jets, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Thielen will be joined by fellow wideouts Diontae Johnson (groin) and Xavier Legette in street clothes this weekend, meaning Terrace Marshall, Jonathan Mingo and Ihmir Smith-Marsette, among others, will man the position. At this point in his career, Thielen, a 10-year pro, doesn't necessarily require any reps before Week 1, when he'll begin his quest to replicate his 103-1,014-4 line on 137 targets in 17 regular-season contests in 2023.