At this time of the season, every NFL team is banged up and the Carolina Panthers are no exception to the rule. Throw in the typical seasonal sickness and you’ve got a very short-handed team.
On Saturday, the team announced that defensive tackle Woodrow Hamilton has been ruled out due to an illness. Center Matt Paradis also came down sick but did not have an official designation. Late last night, that changed. Paradis is now listed as questionable for today’s game.
And now Paradis is listed questionable
— Max Henson (@PanthersMax) December 22, 2019
If Paradis can’t play, the most likely candidate to take his spot at center is Tyler Larsen, who started 13 games in the absence of Ryan Kalil from 2017-2018 and did well.
In related news, wide receiver Curtis Samuel is also listed as questionable with a knee injury. Ian Rapoport at NFL Network says he’s expected to play.
#Panthers WR Curtis Samuel (knee) is listed as questionable, but he’s expected to play vs the #Colts, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2019
Samuel has caught 50 passes this season, totaling 597 receiving yards and scoring six touchdowns.
Those numbers could be a lot higher if Kyle Allen had been able to connect with him on deep balls with any consistency. One key factor for the Panthers will be if rookie QB Will Grier is able to do any better.
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