Leads team in receiving versus Giants

Funchess caught four of seven targets for 53 yards during Sunday's 33-31 win over the Giants.

Analysis: Funchess led the team in targets, catches and receiving yardage, but he failed to make a large impact outside of a 21-yard gain in the third quarter. He'd reached or exceeded 67 receiving yards in each of his previous two games, so this effort will come as a bit of a disappointment for fantasy owners who foresaw a breakout effort coming. Funchess continues to serve as the team's top target on the outside and will look to do more with his usage next Sunday against the Redskins.

Big third drive keys solid performance

Funchess caught four of seven targets for 67 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-21 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Funchess came alive on Carolina's third drive, pulling in catches of 16 and 27 yards before finishing it off with a four-yard touchdown reception. He added a 20-yard grab in the fourth quarter. No other Panther had more than 24 receiving yards in this one, so Funchess was easily quarterback Cam Newton's favorite target. The 24-year-old receiver heads into the Week 4 bye with 185 yards and a touchdown on the season.

Strong game in Olsen's absence

Funchess brought in seven of nine targets for 77 yards in the Panthers' 31-24 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: In the absence of Greg Olsen (foot), Funchess was the second-most targeted pass catcher behind Christian McCaffrey. The 24-year-old saw a considerable boost in workload over that of Week 1, as he only logged five looks in the win over the Cowboys. With Olsen projected for a multi-week absence, Funchess should continue to be one of the linchpins of the Carolina passing attack. He'll look to build on Sunday's performance in a Week 3 battle against the Bengals.

Held in check versus Cowboys

Funchess caught three of five targets for 41 yards during Sunday's 16-8 win over the Cowboys.

Analysis: Funchess ranked first among Panthers wideouts in targets, catches and yards, but his production didn't amount to much on a day when Cam Newton struggled to generate plays downfield. A somewhat inviting matchup and his role as a main contributor in the passing attack had him primed for a solid start to the season, making this underwhelming performance a frustrating one for his fantasy owners. Funchess should be leaned upon even more heavily if Greg Olsen (foot) misses a significant amount of…read more

Hauls in both looks

Funchess caught both of his targets for 35 receiving yards in Friday's 25-14 win over the Patriots in the third preseason game.

Analysis: Funchess showed good rapport with quarterback Cam Newton, catching a 28-yard pass from the Pro Bowler and seeing another 22-yard reception negated by a penalty up front. The wideout appears ready to lead Carolina's receiving corps this season and will likely sit out the team's exhibition finale.

Catches lone target

Funchess caught his only target for 13 yards in Friday's 27-20 win over the Dolphins in the second preseason game.

Analysis: Funchess' workload has understandably been limited through Carolina's first couple exhibition outings. Entering this season as the team's top wideout, however, it wouldn't be surprising if he's more involved in this Friday's dress rehearsal against the Patriots. As a beneficiary of Kelvin Benjamin's departure last year, Funchess finished with a career-best 63 receptions on 113 targets for 840 yards and eight touchdowns.

Returns to practice

Funchess (cramps) returned to practice Friday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess exited Thursday's session with cramps, which isn't new for the receiver, who's experienced them several times throughout his career. Upon his return to the field, Funchess will presumably slot right back in with the first-team offense alongside Torrey Smith and rookie D.J. Moore.

Exits with cramps

Funchess exited Thursday's practice early due to cramps, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess isn't new to cramps, as he's dealt with them several times throughout his career. The issue isn't thought to be serious and he should be back on the field in the coming days. Jarius Wright will figure to get a few extra reps with the first-team while Funchess is held out.

Funchess is anticipated to maintain his No. 1, or 'X', receiver role in the Panthers offense despite last week's first-round selection of D.J. Moore, Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess overcame injury and benefited from the trade departure of Kelvin Benjamin to turn in a career-best campaign in 2017, finishing with 63 catches for 840 yards and eight touchdowns. On the back of that production, the 23-year-old is expected to remain in the highly valued 'X' role going forward, likely leaving Moore to operate opposite him or in the slot. While Moore's presence figures to give quarterback Cam Newton a shiny new toy, Funchess' stock still seems to be on the rise from last…read more

Funchess (shoulder) caught four of eight targets for 79 yards in Sunday's 31-26 NFC wild-card loss to the Saints.

Analysis: Funchess was noticeably impacted by the shoulder injury he's carried for the past few weeks, and although he also rolled his ankle early on Sunday, he still soldiered his way to a productive performance. In fact, Funchess' yardage total marked his most since Week 12 of the regular season. On that day, which came in the midst of a strong stretch following the departure of former top wideout Kelvin Benjamin, Funchess topped 100 yards for the only time this term. On the whole, Benjamin being dealt…read more

Funchess (shoulder) is listed as active for Sunday's NFC wild-card game against the Saints.

Analysis: The wideout, who caught two passes on six targets for 48 yards and a TD in Week 17's loss to the Falcons, has logged modest yardage totals over the Panthers' last three games as the team's top receiver. That said, the 6-foot-4, 225-pounder has at least maintained a degree of fantasy utility in TD-heavy formats by scoring five times over his last seven contests.

Funchess (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's playoff game against the Saints after logging a limited practice Friday.

Analysis: We'll verify the wideout's status as Sunday's 4:40 ET kickoff approaches, but he's fully expected to be in uniform. Funchess, who logged two catches on six targets for 48 yards and a TD in Week 17's loss to the Falcons, has racked up modest yardage totals of late as the Panthers' top wideout, but he's maintained a degree of fantasy utility by scoring five TDs over his last seven outings.

Back at practice

Funchess (shoulder) took part in Friday's practice, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess did not practice either of the previous two days, but he was able to get back on the field Friday. It won't be clear until after practice how much work he was able to get in, but his participation alone bodes well for his chances of playing in Sunday's wild-card matchup with the Saints.

Funchess (shoulder) did not practice Thursday, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: More on the wideout's status for wild-card weekend come Friday, though we suspect that Funchess is likely to be a go Sunday against the Saints, with his practice participation leading up to the contest being managed to that end. Funchess was on the field for 87 percent of the Panthers' snaps on offense in Week 17 -- tops among the team's wide receivers -- en route to hauling in two of his six targets for 48 yards and a TD.

Held out of Wednesday's practice

Funchess didn't practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Funchess's nagging shoulder injury kept him limited in practice prior to the Panthers' regular-season finale against the Falcons, but he was ultimately able to log 53 snaps and caught two passes for 48 yards and a score during the 22-10 loss. Given the importance of Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Saints, the Panthers may elect to proceed cautiously with their No. 1 wide receiver through the remainder of the week, potentially leading to more reps for fellow wideouts Russell Shepard and…read more

Funchess brought in two of six targets for 48 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 22-10 loss to the Falcons.

Analysis: Funchess hauled in a four-yard scoring throw from Cam Newton in the second quarter, capping a 16-play, 78-yard march. The third-year wideout has been battling a multi-week shoulder injury, which had appeared to particularly affect his production over the prior two games. Funchess' first foray into the end zone since Week 14 was certainly encouraging, but those looking to deploy him in postseason contests will be hoping for an overall uptick in his production when the Panthers face the Saints in…read more

Removed from injury report

Funchess (shoulder) isn't listed on the final injury report for Sunday's game in Atlanta.

Analysis: Teams typically list players without game designations once they're fully cleared, but Carolina actually took the unusual step of completely removing Funchess from the injury report. It's a hint that the wideout is no longer bothered by soreness in his shoulder, following back-to-back outings with less than 20 yards. Funchess should bounce back to some degree, facing an Atlanta defense he bested for five catches and 86 yards on seven targets in a 20-17 Panthers victory back in Week 9. Funchess…read more

Full practice Thursday

Funchess (shoulder) practiced in full Thursday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: The uncapped session is Funchess's first since Dec. 15. In the meantime, he suited up twice but only made a slight impact in either box score, totaling four receptions (on eight targets) for 30 yards. There's no guarantee he'll regain his stature in the passing attack from Weeks 2 through 14, a 12-game stretch in which he surpassed 50 receiving yards nine times and scored all seven of his touchdowns on the season. Having said that, he'll have a great chance to bounce back Sunday against a…read more

Funchess (shoulder) was listed as limited on Wednesday's injury report, Bryan Strickland of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: Since emerging from Week 13 with a shoulder injury, Funchess has posted two of his three lowest outputs of the season during the past three games. In total, he's gathered seven of 15 targets for 89 yards and one touchdown in that span. Perhaps working in Funchess's favor this week is his ability to take part in the first practice of the week, which didn't happen until Friday last week. No matter, his status should continue to be monitored through week's end to ensure he's on track for an…read more

Funchess caught three of four targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 22-19 win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Funchess played through his shoulder injury once again, but for the second straight week was held under 20 yards. After an excellent five-game stretch, Funchess' recent slump couldn't have come at a worse time for fantasy owners. Although Funchess went for 86 yards on five catches versus the Falcons in Week 9, his poor form of late leaves cause for concern ahead of next Sunday's encounter.

Active Sunday

Funchess (shoulder) is listed as active Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Funchess was contained to one limited showing in practice this week but nonetheless will play through a shoulder injury for a third straight game. In the previous two, he totaled four receptions (on 11 targets) for 78 yards while playing 78 percent (109 of 139) of the Panthers' offensive snaps. He'll aim for a bounce-back performance Sunday versus a Tampa Bay defense that has allowed the most receiving yards (190 per game) and third-most touchdowns (16) to wideouts this season.

Expected to play

Funchess (shoulder) officially is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, but head coach Ron Rivera said he isn't concerned about the wideout's availability, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: After being held out of practice the previous two days, Funchess returned to the field Friday as a limited participant. He played through the same injury in Weeks 14 and 15, albeit with his production taking a dip. Funchess should be fine to handle his usual workload against a Tampa defense that's surrendered league-worst marks of 204 catches and 2,662 receiving yards to wide receivers.

Back at practice

Funchess (shoulder) suited up for Friday's practice, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess sat out the Panthers' first two practices sessions of the week due to his shoulder injury, but he still expects to play this week, and his participation Friday boosts his chances of doing so. The Panthers will provide an official update on Funchess's status when they release their final injury report of the week.

Expects to suit up Sunday

Funchess (shoulder) expects to play Sunday against the Buccaneers, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess was contained to working on a side field with the Panthers' training staff Thursday, per Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer. Despite the uptick in activity, Funchess was tabbed with a DNP, marking his second missed session in a row. Funchess's comment indicates he doesn't require many, if any, practice reps in order to suit up on game day, but a limited showing Friday, at the very least, would provide a sense of comfort regarding his status heading into the weekend. At this…read more

Fails to practice Thursday

Funchess (shoulder) didn't take part in practice Thursday, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer notes that Funchess was present Thursday, but was relegated to working out on the side with trainers, meaning he'll likely be listed as a non-participant for the second day in a row. While Funchess' lack of practice reps this week doesn't offer much encouragement about his health heading into Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers, head coach Ron Rivera hasn't offered much concern regarding the wideout's status for the matchup. In any case, Funchess, who…read more

Funchess (shoulder) didn't practice Wednesday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: For a third consecutive week, Funchess's practice reps have been impacted by a shoulder injury. While his usage (109 of 139 offensive snaps) the last two games lines up with his season-long workload, he's been held in check by the Vikings and Packers, combining for four catches (on 11 targets) for 78 yards and one touchdown. If he returns to practice Thursday, as head coach Ron Rivera told Bryan Strickland of the Panthers' official site, Funchess will be on pace to ensure he's active for the…read more

Funchess caught one of four targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 31-24 win over the Packers.

Analysis: Funchess was hardly heard from, with his lone reception coming on the first play of the second half. He was also forced into a brief exit after a hit to his bum shoulder prevented him from hauling in a would-be touchdown during the first half. The only game in which Funchess finished with fewer receiving yards this season came Week 8 against the Buccaneers, adding another layer to his rebound attempt as Tampa Bay visits Carolina this Sunday.

Active Week 15

Funchess (shoulder) is listed as active Sunday against the Packers.

Analysis: As expected, Funchess will be out there versus a Green Bay defense without starting cornerback Davon House (shoulder). With an average of one TD per week over the last four games, Funchess is a good bet to produce against a unit that's allowed 167.5 receiving yards per game and nine touchdowns to wideouts across the last six outings.

Ready for Packers

Funchess, listed as questionable with a shoulder injury after practicing fully Friday, is expected to play Sunday against Green Bay, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Funchess has thrived since Kelvin Benjamin got traded to Buffalo and has four touchdowns over the last four games. While you want him out there in most circumstances given his hot play, Sunday's game is especially juicy in that he'll face a leaky Packers secondary.

Expected to play Sunday

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Funchess (shoulder) will play in Sunday's game against the Packers, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess is listed as questionable on the Panthers' final injury report, but Rivera said the wideout was merely held out of Friday's practice for maintenance. Funchess was a limited participant Wednesday and a full participant Thursday, leaving little doubt regarding his availability for a favorable matchup against a Green Bay defense that has allowed wideouts to catch 64.8 percent of targets and 8.8 yards per target this season. Only two teams have surrendered more touchdowns (15) to wide…read more

Elevates to full practice

Funchess (shoulder) was a full participant at Thursday's practice, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: During the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Funchess appeared to tweak the shoulder while snagging a pass and briefly exiting the field, according to Rodrigue. The wideout returned a few minutes later to reenter drills though, and said afterwards that he would be ready to go for the Panthers' Week 15 matchup against Green Bay. Another fruitful outing Sunday could be in the cards for Funchess against a Packers defense that has conceded 8.8 yards per target and 15 touchdowns to…read more

Funchess (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess missed one practice last week due to a shoulder injury, but it didn't impact his workload Sunday against the Vikings. Among his seven targets, he corralled three for 59 yards and tallied an 18-yard touchdown, marking his fourth score in the last four games. Expect his status for Sunday's matchup with the Packers to clear up by week's end.

Funchess caught three of seven targets for 59 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-24 win over the Vikings.

Analysis: Funchess' reception and yardage totals were both his lowest in the last five games, but facing top cornerback Xavier Rhodes always figured to complicate matters. While his relative dip Sunday speaks to how good Funchess has been lately, the wideout still led the Panthers in receiving yards and scored an 18-yard six-pointer during the third quarter. In doing so, Funchess has now found the end zone four times in as many games and has a much better matchup against a banged-up Packers cornerback…read more

Funchess (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Analysis: Curiously, Funchess followed up uncapped sessions Wednesday and Thursday with no drills to wrap up the week, leaving a cloud over his Week 14 status. No matter, he'll be available versus a Minnesota defense that has conceded 161 yards receiving per game and three touchdowns to wideouts over the last four contests.

Expected to play

Funchess (shoulder) was held out of Friday's practice and is officially listed as questionable, but he's nonetheless expected to play in Sunday's game against the Vikings, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Panthers apparently held Funchess out Friday as a precaution after allowing him to log full practices the previous two days. He's been a bit nicked up with toe and shoulder injuries within the past couple weeks and will now have to face a tough Minnesota defense anchored by cornerback Xavier Rhodes and safety Harrison Smith. The Vikings have held opposing wideouts to 7.4 yards per target and eight touchdowns through 12 games this season.

Not limited by shoulder

Funchess (shoulder) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess was on the injury report with a toe issue last week, but ultimately caught four of seven targets for 60 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Saints. He hurt his shoulder trying to recover an onside kick late in the game, but the injury apparently isn't serious enough to threaten his availability for the Week 14 game against Minnesota. As Carolina's clear No. 1 target, Funchess could draw shadow coverage from Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes in the matchup.

Believes shoulder is OK

Funchess acknowledged that he injured his shoulder toward the end of Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Saints, but he believes he will be OK, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess suffered the injury while trying to recover an onsides kick, just seconds after he scored a touchdown from 24 yards out. The late score salvaged an otherwise disappointing afternoon, as the 6-foot-4 wideout finished with four catches for 60 yards on a team-high seven targets. Funchess did account for one-quarter of the Panthers' targets and nearly one-third of their receiving yards, but the Saints' dominance of possession limited the overall offensive volume for Carolina. Assuming he's…read more

Funchess (toe) doesn't have a designation on the final injury report for Sunday's game in New Orleans.

Analysis: Following full practices Thursday and Friday, there's little question that Funchess' absence from Wednesday's practice was precautionary. He's locked in as Cam Newton's favorite target for a matchup in a dome against a Saint defense that may be missing top cornerback Marshon Lattimore (ankle-questionable).

Funchess (toe) practiced in full Thursday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Both Funchess and Christian McCaffrey were in pads from the start of the session and seemed to participate in every drill in the part open to the media, according to Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer. Upon the release of Thursday's report, though, only Funchess was active from beginning to end. Since the Panthers dealt Kelvin Benjamin (knee) to the Bills, Funchess has prospered as the No. 1 wideout, hauling in 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns across four games.

Funchess (toe) was spotted on the field with shoulder pads prior to the start of Thursday's practice, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: It looks as though Funchess will practice in at least a limited capacity Thursday after the toe injury he suffered in Sunday's win over the Jets rendered him a non-participant in the Panthers' first session of the week. The Panthers will issue a formal update on the extent of Funchess' participation once the session concludes, but the third-year wideout currently appears to be trending toward suiting up for the team's Week 13 clash with the Saints.

Doesn't practice Wednesday

Funchess (toe) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, Max Henson of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: After failing to log any reps in the open part of practice, Funchess remained off the field for the Panthers' closed session. The Panthers will likely be extra cautious with Funchess, who broke the same toe that's currently ailing him in college. If the team takes such a stance, Funchess's listing on the final Week 13 injury report will be telling for his potential to suit up Sunday at New Orleans.

Missing practice Wednesday

Funchess (toe) wasn't taking part in the portion of Wednesday's practice that was made available to the media, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Unless Funchess increases his activity behind closed doors, it's expected that he'll be listed as a non-participant in the Panthers' first practice report of the week. Funchess deemed the toe injury -- which he sustained in Sunday's 35-27 win over the Jets -- as minor, so the expectation remains that he'll be able to tough it out and play Week 13 against the Saints. If Funchess' recovery from the injury takes a turn for the worse in advance of the divisional matchup, however, the Panthers'…read more

Funchess acknowledged that he played through a minor injury in the same toe he broke in college during Sunday's 35-27 win over the Jets, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess suffered the injury early in the game and still managed to catch seven of 12 targets for 108 yards while logging 83 percent of the offensive snaps. It sounds like something that would be a non-concern if not for the fact he suffered a more serious injury in the same toe during the 2014 season at the University of Michigan. Funchess may show up on the injury report this week, but he seemingly expects to be fine for Sunday's matchup with the Saints. He did clarify that his injury isn't…read more

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Funchess may have stubbed his toe during Sunday's 35-27 win over the Jets, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Funchess apparently got a bit nicked up at the end of the game, though he still finished with seven catches for 108 yards on 12 targets and logged 83 percent of the offensive snaps. While this doesn't sound like anything serious, he could still end up on the injury report ahead of a Week 13 game in New Orleans. The Panthers can ill afford to lose Funchess from an already-thin receiving corps.

Funchess caught seven of 12 targets for 108 yards in Sunday's 35-27 win over the Jets.

Analysis: The targets and yards were both season highs for Funchess. The third-year receiver, in addition to becoming "the man" after the trading away of Kelvin Benjamin, has also become more explosive. Funchess was averaging 10.8 yards per catch prior to Benjamin's departure, but has averaged 16.8 yards per game in the three games since. He's caught a pass of at least 30 yards in three straight games after no such games with Benjamin in the lineup.

Catches pair of touchdowns versus Dolphins

Funchess caught five of six targets for 92 yards and two touchdowns in Monday night's 45-21 win over the Dolphins.

Analysis: Funchess has been stellar in two games since the Panthers traded Kelvin Benjamin, catching 10 of 13 targets for 178 yards and two scores. Of course, both his touchdowns came Monday, with his first coming off a 28-yard screen and his second off a 32-yard back-shoulder catch and run. Although the third-year pro will now embark on Carolina's bye week, Funchess' fantasy stock heads into Week 11 at its highest this season.

Funchess caught five of seven targets for 86 yards in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Falcons.

Analysis: Funchess led Carolina in all major receiving categories, with his yardage total marking a new season high. Considering Funchess is now the team's No. 1 wideout following Kelvin Benjamin's departure, his performance Sunday should certainly serve as a source of encouragement. Now rising the fantasy ranks as well, Funchess will hope for another strong performance next Monday against the Dolphins.