Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season features the Chicago Bears playing the Carolina Panthers, and the Windy City is hoping to see their third-round talent Zavion Thomas on the field.
Bears fans have been hyped about Thomas since his stellar performance in the Bears' preseason win over the Tennessee Titans. He caught a 97-yard touchdown pass and had a 39-yard punt return to help Chicago secure the win.
Those are the types of plays Bears fans are hoping to see from Thomas this season, but the team needs to let him play. He's got a chance to make a massive impact on the Panthers game.
Zavion Thomas needs to be apart of the Bears' gameplan agianst the Panthers
Thomas is a special talent who doesn't match the rest of the Bears roster. His 4.28-second speed can't be replicated and shouldn't sideline him.
It's clear that Thomas will have some kind of impact on special teams as a returner. Kalif Raymond could still be the main returner for the team, but Thomas has a chance to be used more often after what he showed in the preseason.
Even on offense, Bears head coach Ben Johnson has to find ways to get the ball in his hands. Whether that means getting him moving on jet sweeps, screen passes, or just sending him deep down the field, he has to play a role in the offense.
It would be similar to how the Bears used Luther Burden early last year before his role changed. Thomas will be more efficient than Burden, though, because he is faster and will have more help blocking. Burden and Rome Odunze are effective blockers and can help Thomas get some open lanes.
Carolina has some talented corners between Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, which could make life tough for Odunze and Burden. That leaves a massive advantage in the slot for Thomas if the Bears put him in. Raymond will most likely start in the slot, but Thomas could be a difference-maker from that position as well.
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Chicago can find so many creative ways to get Thomas involved in the offense and can't afford to leave him off the field. Putting him in the game instantly changes the vibes of the offense and gives them the kind of weapon they haven't had under Johnson yet.
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