One step forward, one step back. That’s the theme for the Carolina Panthers so far this season. The team has been ravaged by injuries to key players all season and lately they’ve been having issues with the ongoing pandemic, as well. Carolina just announced that cornerback Rasul Douglas has been placed on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list.
The move means Douglas will not be available to play in Sunday’s game against the Saints. He has been the team’s top-performing cornerback this year, so it’s a huge blow to a defense that’s already missing a few pieces up-front. The cornerback room is dealing with other problems, too. Donte Jackson has been limited by a toe injury since Week 1 and Eli Apple has only been on the field for six special teams snaps all year due to ankle and hamstring problems.
At least Apple has been a full participant at practice this week. We likely will see him and rookie Troy Pride Jr. getting the majority of the snaps at outside corner this Sunday.
On a positive note, the team did activate kicker Joey Slye and offensive tackle Trent Scott from the COVID list. Backup center Tyler Larsen and guard Michael Schofield remain on it.
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