Until tight end Jordan Thomas arrived at training camp and strained his hamstring, he was regarded as a candidate for major playing time and a potential starting job.
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Thomas lost ground in the tight end competition to Darren Fells and Jordan Akins. Then, he cracked a rib in a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams and was placed on injured reserve.
Thomas was activated from injured reserve-designated to return and played for the first time this season Thursday night in a 20-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts.