The Thursday injury report is an early look at whether players might be ready for Sunday’s matchup, and with key players missing time on both Wednesday and Thursday, the Panthers might be without important pieces again as they head into their Week 3 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals before an early bye will get them some extra time to get healthy for the rest of the season.
With Donte Jackson still nursing the sore groin and missing both days of practice so far this week, the onus may fall on second-year corner Corn Elder to stand opposite of James Bradberry on the outside – Elder got thrown headfirst into the fire last week when Jackson left – Elder said today that he felt comfortable out there, once you get past the nerves of playing your first NFL snaps.
“Going against the guys I go against everyday in practice prepared [me] for that,” Elder said about his time on the field in Atlanta. “Being able to play in the preseason, I know it’s different, but it’s definitely a little different going against a group of receivers like those guys – but I felt like the coaches had me prepared all week.”
Whether Jackson can go on Sunday is up in the air, but the status for Curtis Samuel, Da’Norris Searcy and Trai Turner seems clearer with none being able to practice Wednesday or Thursday, although Turner worked on the side – another step in the concussion protocol – expect Tyler Larsen to get the nod at right guard next to Taylor Moton this week so Turner will get some extra time to heal over the bye. With Searcy out, Ron Rivera said they’re working both Colin Jones and rookie Rashaan Gaulden at safety during practice in his absence.
“They both are,” said Rivera. “We’re splitting reps right now [to] make sure they all get an opportunity to work, not just at Searcy’s position, but also working the other side as well with Mike. I’d anticipate both of them getting an opportunity – we’ve got three guys working two positions right now.”
Check the entire injury report below:
| Player | Injury | Practice Participation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damiere Byrd | Knee | Limited | |
| Greg Olsen | Foot | None | |
| Curtis Samuel | Medical Illness | None | Samuel was not at practice for the third week in a row. |
| Da'Norris Searcy | Concussion | None | Suffered a concussion at Atlanta. |
| Trai Turner | Concussion | None | Was present at practice, which is the next step in the concussion protocol |
| Donte Jackson | Groin | None |
