As the Panthers get set to kick off their 2019 season against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, there’s some good news on the injury front.
For the first time since October of 2018 Cam Newton, who missed the final two games of last season and had offseason shoulder surgery, was not listed on the Panthers first injury report of the week and appeared to take full reps on the field during the portion of Wednesday’s practice that was open to the media. Newton started the day with light tosses during warmups before throwing passes to receivers later on and is still on track to start in the opener.
“I really feel good about what he has done,” coach Ron Rivera said on Wednesday. “I love the work he has put into it. He has done a great job, and we will see how it all plays out on Sunday.”
As for Greg Olsen, he returned to practice after missing Monday’s session for unknown reasons. Like Newton, Olsen was also not on the injury report.
Pass rusher Bruce Irvin tweaked a hamstring last week and has been doing individual work with trainers ever since; if Irvin cannot play against the Rams, expect Marquis Haynes and Brian Burns to see increased opportunities in his absence.
“Bruce has been doing the rehab program, and we will see how he is every day,” Rivera said.
Tackle Greg Little suffered a concussion in the Panthers’ third preseason game against the Patriots and remains in the concussion protocol as he was absent from Wednesday’s practice. Even if Little is cleared to play against the Rams, expect Daryl Williams to get the start at left tackle against the Rams, but without Little available, the Panthers would likely consider Dennis Daley to be the next man up if something happens to Williams on Sunday.
Here’s the full injury report below:
| Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bruce Irvin | Hamstring | None | Did not want to discuss his injury in the locker room after practice |
| Greg Little | Concussion | None | Is still in the protocol after suffering a concussion in New Englan |
