While Cam Newton has already been ruled out for Week 4 and was, unsurprisingly, not at practice, there was one other noticeable absence.
Trai Turner, the Panthers’ right guard who has made the Pro Bowl the past four seasons, was not in attendance at Wednesday’s practice session after injuring his ankle late in Sunday’s win over the Arizona Cardinals – after Turner exited, Tyler Larsen took some snaps at right guard as well as Daryl Williams. But it would make sense for Williams to shift over to right guard with rookie Greg Little appearing as if he’s ready to take on the mantel at left tackle after the two rotated series in Arizona.
“[Daryl Williams] is very bright, he understands the game, which I think you have to be able to do,” said Ron Rivera. “I think he’s got good size, good strength, good power – but he’s also athletic for a big guy. Because of that, it helps him….he is a right-handed guy and it’s kind of where he made his bones as a player in this league.”
“Until we have everybody set and rolling and where we need them to be, we have to have guys that are flexible.”
While the Panthers may look elsewhere to protect Kyle Allen’s right side against the Houston Texans, they may have some returning help on the defensive side of the ball as defensive tackle Kawann Short, who has the third-most sacks of any NFL defensive tackle over the past four seasons, was present for at least some of the portion open to the media as a shoulder injury kept him off the field in Arizona – while he was listed as not participating, he appears to be closer to returning than he was last week when he wasn’t on the field at all. Rashaan Gaulden, who mans the big nickel spot and provides additional depth in the secondary, also returned after missing the past two games.
Bruce Irvin, who hasn’t played in any games this season, continued to work on the side with trainers rehabbing his hamstring injury – Rivera made a passing mention to being close to getting Irvin back – and Marquis Haynes, who was utilized for the most snaps of his season this past Sunday, worked with trainers as well.
| Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cam Newton | Foot | None | Newton was ruled out on Monday |
| Bruce Irvin | Hamstring | None | Has not played this season |
| Donte Jackson | Groin | Limited | |
| Shaq Thompson | Knee | Limited | |
| Marquis Haynes | Elbow | None | Missed Week 2 |
| Greg Olsen | Back | Limited | |
| Rashaan Gaulden | Groin | Full | |
| Kawann Short | Shoulder | None | Short was in pads for the beginning of practice |
