When the NFL eliminated the ‘probable’ injury designation, it made for a lot of confusing moments in the hot-take-quick-reaction era that we live in; when Cam Newton is limited during a Monday walkthrough on a short week when the players didn’t even wear helmets, let alone pads, an alert popped up on millions of iPhones across the country – “CAM NEWTON QUESTIONABLE FOR THURSDAY NIGHT!!! WILL HE PLAY?”
That happened again today as the Panthers gave four players the ‘questionable’ designation ahead of Thursday night’s game in Pittsburgh, although there’s really only one player that there’s a question about. While Mario Addison, David Mayo and Eric Reid were all given the tag, it would take a setback for any of them to miss time as the Panthers head to Pittsburgh to battle the Steelers; Reid suffered a shoulder injury during the fourth quarter of the Panthers win over the Bucs on Sunday but didn’t miss a snap and the other two were limited in practice this week, but Ron Rivera is optimistic that all will be available under the lights.
That only leaves one who is truly questionable.
“The only one is [Ryan] Kalil, that’ll be a gameday decision and we’ll work him out prior to the game,” Rivera said about his injury report and whether he feels good about the other players with a designation. “For the most part, I really do. Like I said, the one that you’re really concerned, more than anything else, obviously, would be Ryan Kalil and we’ll see that Thursday before the game.”
If Kalil isn’t able to go – he’s listed with an ankle injury – the Panthers would plan to use Tyler Larsen at center. Larsen started 10 games in relief of Kalil last season while Kalil battled a lingering neck issue through most of the season. Torrey Smith, who has not practiced since injuring his knee Week 7 against the Eagles, and rookie defensive end Marquis Haynes, who has only been active for one game this season, will both miss Thursday’s game.
The entire injury report is below:
| Player | Injury | Game Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Addison | Shoulder | Questionable | More like Probable |
| David Mayo | Groin | Questionable | Same as Addison after practicing Wednesday |
| Eric Reid | Shoulder | Questionable | Reid said he liked his chances to play |
| Marquis Haynes | Illness | Out | Wasn't likely to be active regardless |
| Torrey Smith | Knee | Out | Hasn't practiced since Philadelphia |
| Ryan Kalil | Ankle | Questionable | Will be determined by a pregame workout |
