Coach Ron Rivera expressed concern about Avant's (thigh) ability to take the field Sunday against the Steelers, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Avant missed practice for a second consecutive day, and reportedly, his leg tightened up when he attempted to perform work on the side. As such, he's a question mark heading into the weekend, with Friday's injury report possibly clearing up his availability, one way or the other.

Avant (thigh) didn't take part in practice Wednesday, the Panthers' official site reports.

With Cam Newton back under center in Week 2, Avant ranked third on the team with seven targets, after garnering just one look from Derek Anderson in the opener. Perhaps the veteran wideout provides Newton with a level of trust, but Avant appears poised for a decent first campaign in Carolina. Nonetheless, potential owners should monitor Avant's status as the week unfolds in order to understand his availability Sunday against the Steelers.

Avant caught five passes (on seven targets) for 54 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's Week 2 victory over the Lions.

Avant rebounded well from last week's one-catch debut for the Panthers by scoring the go-ahead touchdown in Carolina's home opener this Sunday. In doing so, the veteran wideout secured a 14-yard bullet pass from quarterback Cam Newton. Furthermore, Avant's seven targets were more than expected Sunday, but his pegging as Carolina's No. 3 wideout offers restricted fantasy value moving forward.

Avant has emerged as the Panthers' No. 3 wide receiver during training camp, the Charlotte Observer reports.

Avant joined Carolina this offseason projected to be among the team's top-four wideouts following the departure of numerous pass-catchers from a season ago. While fellow addition Tiquan Underwood has slid down the pecking order, Avant has solidified himself as the Panthers' No. 3 option behind veteran Jerricho Cotchery and standout rookie Kelvin Benjamin.

Coach Ron Rivera said Jason Avant is a "little more of a blocker" than Jerricho Cotchery, and will also play on special teams.

Kelvin Benjamin, Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant have been the Panthers' primary first-team wideouts during offseason practices.

Cotchery and Avant are both aging slot receivers, but one of them is going to have to play outside in three-wide sets. We'd expect that man to be Cotchery, as Avant doesn't have the foot speed. Neither one will be a recommended fantasy option in a passing attack that projects to struggle.

Panthers signed Jason Avant, formerly of the Eagles, to a one-year deal.

Avant will pair with the newly acquired Jerricho Cotchery to form one of the most underwhelming starting wideout duos in the league. With every impact free agent wide receiver signed, the Panthers are simply looking for cheap veterans to complement the playmakers they will likely draft this May. Avant caught 38 passes for 447 yards and two touchdowns with the Eagles last season.

The Panthers will host free agent Jason Avant on Monday.

He'd give Carolina another underwhelming possession-slot receiver to pair with Jerricho Cotchery. The Panthers are simply looking for bodies at wideout. Avant, 31, has drawn interest from old head coach Andy Reid's Chiefs, and visited the Patriots in mid-March. He should be available for a minimum salary.

The Patriots have shown interest in free agent Jason Avant.

The Chiefs have also been linked to Avant. Turning 31 in April, Avant has always lacked playmaking ability despite sure hands and plus character. No matter Avant's free agency destination, he will be an underwhelming addition.

The Kansas City Star reports the Chiefs are interested in free agent Jason Avant.

Avant was released by the Eagles last week. The connection to Kansas City is clear; coach Andy Reid drafted Avant in Philadelphia and employed him for seven seasons. Avant would replace Dexter McCluster in the slot, though he's best suited for No. 4 receiver duties at this stage of his career.

Eagles released WR Jason Avant.

This move was fully expected, as Avant was due a $1 million roster bonus on March 15. In total, the Eagles save $3.25 million against the 2014 cap. Avant, 31 next month, is a strong leader in the locker room and has a pair of sticky mitts but isn't a playmaker and can't stretch the field. At this stage of his career, he'd ideally be a No. 4 receiver on a one-year deal close to the veteran's minimum.

ESPN's Adam Caplan confirms the Eagles are expected to release Jason Avant before his $1 million roster bonus is due on March 15.

It's a no-brainer move despite Avant's locker-room leadership. Going on 31, Avant's role decreased following the departure of Andy Reid, while he's set to count $3.9 million against the cap. Releasing him would create $3.25 million in space. Avant is a respected, sure pair of hands, but just isn't worth that price at this stage of his career.

The Philadelphia Inquirer does not expect Jason Avant to be with Eagles next season.

Avant is set to cost $3.96 million against the cap and is owed a $1 million roster bonus on March 15. It's far too much for a low-upside, slow slot receiver heading into his age-31 season. The Eagles won't miss Avant on the field, but his value as a team leader and buffer between volatile DeSean Jackson and the coaches shouldn't be underestimated.

Jason Avant is scheduled to count $3.96 million against the 2014 salary cap.

Avant is highly regarded as a team leader, but offers little else at this stage of his career. He caught just 38 passes for 447 yards and two touchdowns in 2013, seeing his YPC drop for the third straight season The Eagles will need to make a decision on whether to release Avant before he's due a $1 million roster bonus on March 15.

Jason Avant is due a $1 million roster bonus on March 15.

By the fifth day of the new league year -- March 15 -- the Eagles will need to make a decision on the soon-to-be 31-year-old receiver. In addition to the $1 million roster bonus, Avant is scheduled to earn a $2.25 million base salary. Avant's stats dipped considerably in 2013, but he's a major presence in the locker room. However, he may not be worth $3.25 million.

Jason Avant caught five passes for 21 yards in Saturday's Wild Card loss to the Saints.

It was another predictably yawn-worthy game in a yawn-worthy season from the Eagles' slot man. Avant, one of the slowest receivers in the NFL, caught 38 passes for 447 yards with two touchdowns as he saw his YPC drop for the third straight season. Going on 31 and owed a $1 million roster bonus in 2014, the Eagles should be moving despite Avant's contributions as a team leader.

Jason Avant (shoulder) is listed as probable for Saturday's Wild Card game against the Saints.

Avant suffered a minor shoulder injury in Sunday night's win over the Cowboys, but was a full participant in practice all week. He'll be all systems go as the No. 3 receiver behind DeSean Jackson and Riley Cooper. CB Brandon Boykin (hip) and LB Mychal Kendricks (knee) are also listed as probable.

Jason Avant had three catches for 45 yards in Sunday night's Week 17 win over the Cowboys.

Avant briefly exited with a shoulder injury in the first half, but was able to return in the third quarter. He was mostly targeted over the middle on slant patterns and remains no higher than the No. 4 option in the passing game. Avant finishes the regular season with 38 catches, 447 yards, and two touchdowns. He shouldn't be in any danger of missing Saturday's Wild Card game against the Saints.

Jason Avant left Sunday night's Week 17 game against the Cowboys with a right shoulder contusion.

Avant suffered the injury in the second quarter and is listed as questionable to return. He had two catches for 39 yards on four targets before exiting. Damarius Johnson will likely replace him in three-wide sets.

Jason Avant had three catches for 26 yards in Week 16 against the Bears.

Avant secured all three of his targets from Nick Foles. He's no higher than the No. 5 option in the passing game and has just 36 catches, 402 yards, and two touchdowns heading into Week 17 against the Cowboys.