Dickson finished with 30 receptions (on 47 targets) for 437 yards and a touchdown in 16 games played this season.

Analysis: Dickson went for more yardage than in his previous three seasons with the Panthers combined, making for his second-best overall campaign since entering the league in 2010. The 30-year-old's uptick largely came as a result of starter Greg Olsen missing nine games due to injury. Furthermore, most of Dickson's damage was done in one game -- his five-catch, 175-yard shredding of the Lions in Week 5. Although context is needed to explain his success, Dickson's improvement couldn't have come at a…read more

Dickson will settle back into a reserve role at tight end Sunday against the Vikings with Greg Olsen (foot) cleared to return to the lineup, Jared Allen of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: Olsen's eight-game absence due to a fractured right foot has allowed Dickson to gain more traction in the passing game during his fourth season in Carolina, with the 30-year-old most notably breaking out for a five-catch, 175-yard outing against the Lions on Oct. 8. Dickson's production has tailed off precipitously since then, but after ceding the starting role to Olsen when the latter was activated ahead of Week 12, Dickson settled back in as the top tight end in last week's loss to the Saints…read more

Dickson caught both his targets for 18 yards in Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Saints.

Analysis: Dickson got the start at tight end with Greg Olsen (foot) back on the sideline, but the veteran couldn't get much going. Although he hauled in the only two looks that went his way, Dickson hasn't topped 40 yards since his Week 5 outburst and will be even less likely to do so once Olsen is consistently available again.

Dickson is expected to start in place of the inactive Greg Olsen (foot) on Sunday at New Orleans.

Analysis: In nine starts during Olsen's time on injured reserve, Dickson caught at least three passes six times, surpassed 30 yards on four occasions and scored one touchdown. While not overly impressive, Dickson could be a decent fill-in versus a Saints defense that has given up three tight-end TDs over the last four games.

Dickson is expected to serve as the Panthers' starting tight end Sunday against the Saints with Greg Olsen (foot), who is listed as questionable for the contest, appearing unlikely to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: While Olsen avoided structural damage to his surgically repaired right foot upon returning from an eight-game absence last week, he exited the Panthers' win over the Jets early while experiencing soreness and will likely be held out while the team plans on turf in New Orleans on Sunday. That should pave the way for Dickson to resurface as a key part in the Panthers' passing attack, which had been the case while Olsen was sidelined. During Olsen's eight-game absence, Dickson corralled 23 of 35…read more

Dickson caught one of three targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 35-27 win over the Jets.

Analysis: Dickson's reception saw him top Greg Olsen's one for 10 yards, and although Olsen was forced to withdraw early from his return from a foot injury, if Carolina's top tight end is able to shake off the rust, Dickson figures to slide down the pecking order in the coming weeks.

Dickson is expected to notice a reduced role in Sunday's game against the Jets with fellow tight end Greg Olsen (foot) on track to return from injured reserve, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Analysis: Dickson enjoyed a few big moments in Olsen's absence, most notably a 175-yard explosion in a Week 5 win over the Lions. He piled up more yards in that one game than he had in any of his three previous seasons in Carolina, during which he had been limited to a blocking role while Olsen remained relatively healthy. Dickson's solid work this season might push him out of Carolina's price range in the offseason, though his overall track record suggests he'll probably struggle to draw interest from…read more

Dickson nabbed three of five targets for 33 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 45-21 win over Miami.

Analysis: Dickson leaped for a seven-yard touchdown reception on a quick slant just before the half during Monday's game, his first score of the season. Week 5's explosion against Detroit aside, Dickson has been solid but unspectacular this season as he has seen an uptick in usage with Greg Olsen (foot) on the shelf. Those opportunities seem to be coming to an end with Olsen reportedly expected back for Week 12's game against the Jets.

Dickson failed to haul in either of his two targets in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Falcons.

Analysis: Dickson was part of an offense that only passed for 137 yards, which was distributed between three pass-catchers. With Dickson not being one of those, his streak of five straight games with at least three receptions was snapped. The veteran will look to bounce back next Monday night against the Dolphins.

Dickson (ankle) caught four of five targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 17-3 win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Dickson overcame an ankle injury to suit up Sunday and ended up trailing only Christian McCaffrey in receptions. Admittedly, Dickson's four grabs didn't yield much yardage, but his season average of under 50 yards per game should've tempered fantasy owners' expectations to begin with.

Dickson (ankle) is active for Sunday's contest at Tampa Bay.

Analysis: The No. 1 tight end during Greg Olsen's recovery from surgery on a Jones fracture in his right foot, Dickson has averaged 2.8 receptions (on 4.5 targets) for 31 yards in four starts aside from a five-catch, 175-yard outburst in Week 5. Dickson will aim to join the ranks of tight ends (Rhett Ellison, Troy Niklas and Logan Thomas) that have reached the end zone against the Buccaneers defense this season.

The Panthers expect Dickson (ankle), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, to play in the contest, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Dickson was able to put in full practices Thursday and Friday, so his availability for the weekend never seemed to be in much peril. Since his breakout five-catch, 175-yard performance in Week 5 against the Lions, Dickson has fallen back to earth the last two weeks, logging a combined seven receptions for 54 yards.

Dickson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Dickson was held out of practice Wednesday but returned as a full participant Thursday and Friday. Despite his designation on the final injury report, he doesn't seem to be in much danger of missing Sunday's game. Dickson has played at least 98 percent of the offensive snaps in every game since Week 2, when Greg Olsen suffered a broken foot.

Dickson (ankle) practiced in full Thursday, Max Henson of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: Dickson's absence from Wednesday's session was likely intended to keep the 30-year-old fresh. During Greg Olsen's recovery from foot surgery, Dickson has missed nary a snap, resulting in 16 receptions (on 23 targets) for 299 yards over the last five games. Dickson will seek out his first touchdown of the season Sunday against a Buccaneers defense that has conceded a TD to a tight end in three of the last four outings.

Dickson was held out of Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Analysis: Though the ankle injury is something to monitor, it didn't prevent Dickson from playing every single offensive snap in Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Bears. He's played at least 98 percent of the snaps in each game since Greg Olsen suffered a broken foot in the Panthers' Week 2 win over the Bills. Chris Manhertz is next up on the depth chart if Dickson is absent or limited in Week 8 against Tampa Bay.

Dickson caught three of five targets for 18 yards in Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Bears.

Analysis: Dickson sports just 54 yards over the past two games, further establishing his 175-yard outburst in Week 5 as an anomaly. As long as Greg Olsen remains sidelined, Dickson figures to get at least a handful of looks, but he's more of an occasional chain-mover than a fantasy standout.

Dickson caught four of eight targets for 36 yards in Thursday night's 28-23 loss to the Eagles.

Analysis: Dickson came back down to earth after exploding for a career-high 175 yards last Sunday. Through his eight seasons, Dickson has proved his output Thursday is more of what fantasy owners should expect. While Dickson is yet to find the end zone this season, his 17 targets over the past three weeks trump his mere four through the first three, evidencing his expanded role in Greg Olsen's absence.

Dickson brought in all five of his targets for 175 yards in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Lions.

Analysis: Dickson's career day played a big part in the season-high 355 yards that Cam Newton mustered, with the veteran tight end rumbling through the heart of the Lions defense on receptions of 57 and 64 yards for a sizable portion of his production. The 30-year-old had also flashed his downfield ability -- albeit to a much less spectacular degree -- in Week 4 against the Patriots, notching a 25-yard catch on his way to a 20.7 YPC on three receptions. While he's highly unlikely to completely replicate…read more

Dickson caught three of four targets for 62 yards in Sunday's 33-30 win over the Patriots.

Analysis: Dickson fared much better in his second start in Greg Olsen's (foot) absence, finishing third on the Panthers in receiving yards. In fact, Dickson's 62 yards marked his third most in any game over the course of his eight seasons. While that suggests the veteran overachieved Sunday, Olsen's extended sideline stint figures to open more opportunities than usual going forward.

Dickson caught his lone target for eight yards in Sunday's 34-13 loss to the Saints.

Analysis: Dickson started as expected in the place of injured tight end Greg Olsen (foot), but his involvement in Carolina's passing game remained rather restricted. That comes despite the Panthers trailing by a sizable margin as the game played out. While Dickson's fantasy value has been limited throughout his career, Sunday's performance is probably as poor as it'll get while Olsen is out.

Dickson will serve as Carolina's top tight end in the absence of Greg Olsen, who is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks with a broken foot, Brendan Marks of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Olsen hasn't missed a game with the Panthers, which explains why Dickson has only 39 catches in 50 regular-season games since joining the team. He did catch 54 of 89 targets for 528 yards and five touchdowns for the Ravens in 2011, but his hands aren't particularly reliable, and he doesn't have a knack for getting open. While unlikely to emerge as a major threat down the seam in Olsen's mold, Dickson has at least shown some ability to pick up yards after the catch on short passes. He'll begin…read more

Dickson caught two of three targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 9-3 win over the Bills.

Analysis: Dickson's production wasn't anything to write home about, but his fantasy stock should rise in the coming weeks after teammate Greg Olsen broke his foot Sunday. With Olsen slated for an extended absence, Dickson becomes Carolina's top tight end, which is usually conducive to regular looks from quarterback Cam Newton. While nobody will mistake Dickson for the Pro-Bowler Olsen, the veteran should nonetheless benefit from more snaps and targets as he's promoted to the starting lineup.

Dickson caught one of three targets for 13 yards in Thursday's preseason game against the Panthers.

Analysis: Dickson's status as Greg Olsen's backup doesn't lend much fantasy value, but the veteran does catch a pass or two every now and then, as was the case in Thursday's exhibition.

Dickson caught 10 passes (on 19 targets) for 134 yards and a touchdown in 16 games played this season.

Analysis: Dickson has yet to top 17 receptions in any of his three seasons in Carolina, where he's served as Pro Bowler Greg Olsen's backup at tight end since coming over from the Ravens. With another year left on his contract with the Panthers, Dickson figures to occupy the same role next season, keeping his fantasy value severely restricted.

Dickson caught his lone target for 28 yards Monday against the Redskins.

Analysis: Dickson set a new season high with his yardage Monday, evidencing his significantly limited fantasy stock.

Dickson caught one pass (on two targets) for 26 yards in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: Dickson has gotten more involved in Carolina's offense lately, as six of his nine catches this season have come in the Panthers' last four games, but with just 106 yards and one score on the entire campaign, his fantasy value remains rather restricted.

Dickson caught two passes (on three targets) for 17 yards in Sunday's win over the Rams.

Analysis: Dickson's three targets marked his second-most in a game this season, which evidences just how limited his fantasy stock is.

Dickson caught three passes (on four targets) for 23 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Saints.

Analysis: Dickson hauled in a one-yard pass during the third quarter, giving him just his fourth touchdown in 38 games with the Panthers. With star tight end Greg Olsen around, it's hard for Dickson to garner many looks his way, but he at least took advantage of his spare involvement Sunday.

Dickson (illness) was removed from the Panthers' injury report Friday.

Analysis: Dickson was limited in Thursday's practice with an illness, but he participated without limitation on Friday.

Dickson did not participate in practice Thursday due to an illness, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Analysis: Dickson lands on the injury report as he battles the flu bug with Sunday's divisional matchup against the Saints fast approaching. Look for more updates to come as kickoff nears, with Scott Simonson in line to take over the No. 2 spot on the depth chart if Dickson can't go.

Dickson caught two passes (on two targets) for 17 yards in Sunday's loss to the Falcons.

Analysis: Dickson, who was targeted just once over the course of Carolina's first two games, has now caught at least one pass in back-to-back contests. Although his production, as well as the presence of teammate Greg Olsen, makes for meager fantasy upside, Dickson has at least fared better lately.

Dickson (groin) is in uniform and expected to start Friday against the Patriots, David Newton of ESPN reports.

Analysis: With Greg Olsen (back) sitting out Friday, Dickson looks to be his replacement at tight end with the first-team offense. Dickson had been battling a groin injury that had sidelined him for the first two preseason games. He only returned to practice Wednesday, so his conditioning may prevent him from playing a full allotment of snaps with the starters Friday.

Dickson (groin) returned to practice Wednesday, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Dickson's groin injury forced him out for a few weeks, so it's a good sign to see him back at practice. His status for the Panthers' preseason game Friday is unknown.

Dickson (groin) won't play in Saturday's preseason contest in Tennessee, Max Henson of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: Dickson will miss back-to-back exhibitions to kick off the preseason due to a groin injury. While he joins starting TE Greg Olsen (back) on the sideline, Scott Simonson and Beau Sandland should get some run with the first stringers Saturday.

Dickson (groin) won't play in Thursday's preseason game in Baltimore, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: In six seasons between the two organizations involved in Thursday's exhibition, Dickson recorded more than 25 receptions one time (54 in 2011). However, he's caught only half that many passes (27) in two campaigns with the Panthers, who trot out Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen each game day. With a groin injury in tow, Dickson will yield snaps to fellow TEs Scott Simonson and Beau Sandland.

Dickson caught three passes (on three targets) for 21 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Titans.

Analysis: Dickson scored his first touchdown of the season with a one-yard catch during the second quarter Monday. Besides that, the veteran reserve was used sparingly, which usually restricts his fantasy value significantly.