Panthers players seemed quite fine with knocking the Cardinals out of playoff contention

The Panthers played spoiler to the Cardinals on Sunday, and at least a few of them seemed pretty okay with it.

The Carolina Panthers went on a wild ride this afternoon, going from a 20-3 lead at one point to a frantic overtime period against the playoff-hopeful Arizona Cardinals. But by the end, they got their win—and they did it their way.

Here are some of their players’ best reactions to the thrilling 36-30 walk-off victory . . .

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Panthers Week 16 injury report: WR Xavier Legette out vs. Cardinals

As expected, the Panthers will be without 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette in Week 16.

As expected, the Carolina Panthers will not have their 2024 first-round pick on the field against the Arizona Cardinals.

Wide receiver Xavier Legette has been ruled out for the team’s Week 16 outing due to a hip injury. The rookie did not participate in practice throughout the week after making an early exit from last Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Fellow rookie pass catcher Jalen Coker, who was limited on Thursday and Friday with a lingering quadriceps issue, has been listed as questionable. He led the Panthers with a career-high 110 receiving yards in Week 15.

Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and right guard Robert Hunt are also questionable due to illnesses.

Here’s the full injury report from Friday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Illness/knee DNP Limited Full Questionable
S Sam Franklin Jr. Neck/personal DNP Full Full
S Xavier Woods Rest DNP Full
WR Xavier Legette Hip DNP DNP DNP Out
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest DNP Full
OLB D.J. Wonnum Rest/knee DNP Limited Full
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP Limited Full
WR Adam Thielen Rest DNP Limited
CB Jaycee Horn Rest DNP Limited Full
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee DNP Limited DNP Questionable
WR David Moore Concussion Limited Limited Full Questionable
RB Raheem Blackshear Chest Full Full Full
G Robert Hunt Illness DNP DNP Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP
WR Jalen Coker Quadriceps DNP Limited Questionable
OT Ikem Ekwonu Illness Limited Questionable

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Panthers WR Jalen Coker pops up on injury report as limited for Thursday’s practice

Panthers rookie WR Jalen Coker has joined the team’s Week 16 injury report.

Carolina Panthers wideout Jalen Coker has joined an already-crowded Week 16 injury report.

The rookie receiver was considered a limited participant for Thursday’s practice ahead of this weekend’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Coker was listed with a quadriceps injury, which sidelined him for the three games prior to his Week 15 return.

That outing, which ended in a 30-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, saw the 23-year-old go for a career-high 110 receiving yards. Coker’s 83-yard touchdown before the half was the longest play of the 2024 season for the Carolina offense.

In addition, rookie wideout Xavier Legette missed his second straight session with a hip injury.

Starting right guard Robert Hunt was also out with an illness.

Here’s the full report from today:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Illness/knee DNP Limited
S Sam Franklin Jr. Neck/personal DNP Full
S Xavier Woods Rest DNP Full
WR Xavier Legette Hip DNP DNP
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest DNP Full
OLB D.J. Wonnum Rest/knee DNP Limited
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP Limited
WR Adam Thielen Rest DNP Limited
CB Jaycee Horn Rest DNP Limited
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee DNP Limited
WR David Moore Concussion Limited Limited
RB Raheem Blackshear Chest Full Full
G Robert Hunt Illness DNP
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP
WR Jalen Coker Quadriceps DNP

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Panthers Week 14 injury report: OLB Jadeveon Clowney questionable vs. Eagles

OLB Jadeveon Clowney, the Panthers’ top pass rusher, did not practice for a third straight session due to a knee injury.

Sunday’s matchup against the 10-2 Philadelphia Eagles may not feature Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, who did not practice on Friday because of a knee injury. Clowney, who was a non-participant for the third straight session, currently leads the team in sacks (3.5) and pressures (30).

Clowney, in addition to his pass-rushing prowess, has also been one of the top run defenders for Carolina—a unit that has allowed a league-high 166.8 rushing yards per contest. The Eagles, in turn, boast the NFL’s No. 1-ranked rushing offense behind running back Saquon Barkley, a favorite for this year’s Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Head coach Dave Canales, however, did tell reporters this afternoon that he expects Clowney to play this weekend.

Wide receiver Jalen Coker, unfortunately, does not have as positive of an outlook. The rookie, who is listed as doubtful, is likely to miss his third straight game due to a quadriceps injury.

Here’s the full injury report from Friday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Knee DNP DNP DNP Questionable
CB Caleb Farley Shoulder Limited Limited Full Questionable
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring Limited DNP Limited Questionable
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders Neck Limited Limited Full Questionable
OLB D.J. Wonnum Knee Limited Limited Full Questionable
WR Jalen Coker Quadriceps Full Limited DNP Doubtful
S Nick Scott Hamstring/personal Full Full DNP Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP Full
G Robert Hunt Back Full Questionable

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Panthers’ long-term investments in their offensive line are already paying off

Panthers GM Dan Morgan is getting his return on investment along the offensive line.

Even at 3-8 here in Week 13, the Carolina Panthers have come to experience more ups than downs this season.

Quarterback Bryce Young has bounced back into the starting lineup and is playing the best ball of his pro career, a few rookie pass catchers are carving out exciting roles and the defense—at least in the last three games—has stepped up to make key stops in giving the team a chance to win.

But the highest high note from the 2024 campaign has been their rebuilt offensive line.

One year ago, the Panthers had arguably the worst front five in the NFL. And the most glaring weaknesses on the group came on the inside, where there was a literal changing of the guards seemingly every week.

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan made a promise in the offseason to rebuild the middle of the unit, and ended up spending a lot of money in doing so. In free agency, Carolina signed former Miami Dolphins right guard Robert Hunt to a five-year, $100 million deal then former Seattle Seahawks left guard Damien Lewis to a four-year, $53 million contract.

The Panthers also added Yosh Nijman as a quality spot starter behind tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, and moved former right guard Austin Corbett to the starting center position.

And now, with the team having an entire offensive line it can be proud of, Morgan’s return on investment may already be one of the best this franchise has ever gotten.

One of the many beneficiaries of the reconstruction has been the left tackle in Ekwonu, who has been solid in his third NFL campaign. Having a stout left guard in Lewis has helped with communication and handling different types of pressures that have come their way.

Ekwonu’s current Pro Football Focus grades are all at career-highs—as he boasts an overall mark of 72.7 along with a 70.2 in pass blocking and an 82.3 in run blocking.

It’s plays like the one below that have the Panthers front office and fans smiling ear to ear.

There is pre-snap and post-snap communication, linemen are hitting their landmarks in pass-blocking sets, displaying active and competitive hands, getting grips on opposing defensive linemen and setting a firm anchor.

One of the most impressive performances from this group was against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12.

The Chiefs have an aggressive defensive front that can get after the quarterback at a blistering clip. Top defensive tackle Chris Jones had his way a couple of times throughout the game against this bunch—but he was largely quiet, and it almost helped the Panthers upset the defending Super Bowl champions.

Coaching has played a significant role in Carolina’s improved offensive line play as well. Run game coordinator Harold Goodwin, offensive line coach Joe Gilbert and assistant offensive line coach Keli’i Kekuewa have been behind the unit’s growth and development.

For example—Corbett, who was playing high-level football at the center position, tore his triceps in Week 5. He’d be replaced by Brady Christensen, who filled in seamlessly for three starts.

Then Christensen, who had to fill in for an injured Ekwonu on the blindside, would be replaced at center by Cade Mays. And Mays, highlighted by his 85.5 pass-blocking grade against Kansas City, has also proven to be a reliable presence in the middle over his three starts.

The successful plug-and-play approach is a sign that this staff is adamant about putting their players in the best position to win. Combine that with a general manager willing to spend a lot of money to improve a specific unit, and there is something to really look forward to and anticipate in the future.

Morgan still has plenty to prove as a general manager, but his 2024 offseason could be a baseline for what he needs to do to give fans some more excitement in the coming seasons.

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Panthers Week 5 injury report: 3 players ruled out vs. Bears

The Panthers have ruled out three players ahead of Sunday’s visit to Chicago.

As expected, the Carolina Panthers have ruled out starting middle linebackers Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell from their Week 5 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Thompson will miss the remainder of the campaign with a torn Achilles tendon while Jewell has been sidelined with hamstring and groin injuries.

2024 third-round pick and rookie ‘backer Trevin Wallace is in line to get his first career start in the middle of Carolina’s defense. Veterans Claudin Cherelus and Chandler Wooten, who was promoted to the active roster on Tuesday, should also help fill in for Thompson and Jewell.

In addition, head coach Dave Canales told reporters following today’s practice that all players who have been listed as questionable are likely to play.

Here’s the full injury report from Friday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP DNP DNP Out
LB Shaq Thompson Achilles DNP DNP DNP Out
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle DNP Limited Limited
OLB Charles Harris Shoulder Limited Limited Full Questionable
G Robert Hunt Hip Limited Limited Limited Questionable
G Damien Lewis Elbow Limited Limited Full
S Nick Scott Shoulder Limited Limited Limited
DL Shy Tuttle Foot Limited Limited Limited Questionable
S Nick Scott Quadriceps Limited Limited Limited
CB Lonnie Johnson Hip Full Limited Limited
C Andrew Raym Concussion Limited DNP DNP Out
TE Ian Thomas Calf Limited Limited Limited Questionable
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable
RB Miles Sanders Illness DNP Full
WR Jalen Coker Foot DNP Full Questionable
TE Tommy Tremble Knee DNP Limited
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP Full

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Panthers add 4 players to Week 5 injury report on Thursday

The injury report got a bit crowded for the Panthers this afternoon.

The Carolina Panthers’ injury report got a little more crowded on Thursday.

Four new players have been added to the Week 5 listing, all of whom did not participate in this afternoon’s practice. Those Panthers include running back Miles Sanders (illness), rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker (foot), tight end Tommy Tremble (knee) and starting right tackle Taylor Moton (rest).

In a bit of positive news, leading pass catcher Diontae Johnson returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s outing. He was a limited participant.

Here’s Thursday’s injury report in full:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP DNP
LB Shaq Thompson Achilles DNP DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP Full
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle DNP Limited
CB Troy Hill Rest DNP Full
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP Full
OLB Charles Harris Shoulder Limited Limited
G Robert Hunt Hip Limited Limited
G Damien Lewis Elbow Limited Limited
S Nick Scott Shoulder Limited Limited
DL Shy Tuttle Foot Limited Limited
S Nick Scott Quadriceps Limited Limited
CB Lonnie Johnson Hip Full Limited
C Andrew Raym Concussion Limited DNP
TE Ian Thomas Calf Limited Limited
CB Dane Jackson Hamstring Limited Limited
RB Miles Sanders Illness DNP
WR Jalen Coker Foot DNP
TE Tommy Tremble Knee DNP
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP

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Panthers WR Diontae Johnson misses Wednesday’s practice with new injury

LG Damien Lewis and NT Shy Tuttle returned to practice for the Panthers. But WR Diontae Johnson was out with an ankle injury.

The Carolina Panthers welcomed a handful of players back to the practice field to kick off Week 5.

Among those in session on Wednesday included starting left guard Damien Lewis and starting nose tackle Shy Tuttle, both of whom sat out from this past Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Lewis missed his first game of the season with his UCL tear while Tuttle missed his second due to a foot issue.

Joining the two were tight end Ian Thomas and cornerback Dane Jackson. Thomas and Jackson were officially designated to return to practice from injured reserve this morning and will have 21 days to be activated to the main roster.

There was, however, some discouraging news—as wide receiver Diontae Johnson was sidelined due to an ankle injury. Johnson, the team’s leading pass catcher, was dealing with a groin strain last week.

Here’s Wednesday’s full injury report:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
LB Josey Jewell Hamstring/groin DNP
LB Shaq Thompson Achilles DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP
WR Diontae Johnson Ankle DNP
CB Troy Hill Rest DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP
OLB Charles Harris Shoulder Limited
G Robert Hunt Hip Limited
G Damien Lewis Elbow Limited
S Nick Scott Shoulder Limited
DL Shy Tuttle Foot Limited
S Nick Scott Quadriceps Limited
CB Lonnie Johnson Hip Full
C Andrew Raym Head Limited

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Biggest storylines for Panthers vs. Bengals in Week 4

Panthers QB Andy Dalton will have the chance to scratch his former team quite deeply on Sunday.

Bank of America Stadium will play host to a rather intriguing cat fight on Sunday.

The 0-3 Cincinnati Bengals, an AFC favorite just a few short weeks ago, are attempting to save their season while the 1-2 Carolina Panthers, who faced very little expectations, have seemingly just revived theirs.

So as the claws get closer to coming out, let’s look at the biggest storylines heading into this Week 4 matchup . . .

Cool Cat

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Carolina’s aforementioned revival was sparked by quarterback Andy Dalton, who made his first start since replacing 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. The 14th-year veteran kickstarted the offense in a cool and collected performance—as he completed 26 of his 37 throws for 319 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers.

Dalton’s veteran presence brought some much-needed stability under center, where the 23-year-old Young faltered to begin his sophomore campaign. The Panthers, for the first time since 2022, hit the 400-yard mark while successfully converting five third-down tries—three more than the unit amassed in Young’s two starts combined.

Will Dalton be able to keep the offense and the good vibes going?

Oh! And you may have heard this a time or two over the past few days, but Dalton kinda sorta played for the Bengals earlier in his NFL career. So, yeah, that seems somewhat pertinent as well.

Scratched

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Much of Dalton’s success min Week 3 can be attributed to his offensive line, which has been one of the league’s most reliable in pass protection thus far. (Didn’t think you’d be reading that about a Carolina Panthers offensive line, did you?)

The group, however, will be without starting left guard Damien Lewis—who will sit out due to his UCL tear. Lewis, like his fellow hog mollies, has shined to start the season—as his 80.9 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus ranks sixth amongst all guards.

There’s also a chance that Carolina may not have starting right guard Robert Hunt either. Hunt did not finish practice on Friday due to a hip injury and is listed as questionable.

Second-year lineman and 2024 fourth-round pick Chandler Zavala, like he did for 22 snaps in the Week 3 win, will take over for Lewis. And if Hunt cannot go, the versatile Brady Christensen would be in his stead.

With the offense getting on track behind Dalton and looking to further establish the run behind a hot Chuba Hubbard, Zavala (and perhaps Christensen) must step up to keep the machine moving.

Here, Kitty, Kitty

Cara Owsley/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If you were told prior to the season that one of these two teams would be winless heading into their Week 4 matchup, we’re willing to bet that you didn’t think it’d be the Bengals.

Well, it is indeed the Bengals—and they’re one loss away from essentially ending their season. There’s only one team in NFL history (the 1992 San Diego Chargers) that made the postseason after starting 0-4, so the situation is extremely dire.

Unbelievably enough, the Panthers have a chance to bury these cats in their backyard on Sunday.

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Panthers Week 4 injury report: Starting LG Damien Lewis out vs. Bengals

As expected, Panthers G Damien Lewis will not suit up for Sunday’s clash with the Bengals.

Carolina Panthers starting left guard Damien Lewis may have to save his big boy pants for next week.

As expected, the fifth-year hog molly will not suit up for Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Lewis, who tore his UCL in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, did not participate in any of the team’s practices this week.

Second-year lineman and 2023 fourth-round pick Chandler Zavala is set to get the nod in place of Lewis.

In an unexpected hiccup, however, fellow starting guard Robert Hunt was limited in today’s practice with a hip injury. He is considered questionable and would, per head coach Dave Canales, give way to Brady Christensen if he cannot go.

In addition, wide receiver Diontae Johnson is on track to play after missing Thursday’s practice. Johnson, who dealt with a groin strain during the summer, sat out of the rainy session as a precautionary measure.

Here’s Friday’s injury report in its entirety:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP Full Full
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee DNP Limited Limited Questionable
CB Lonnie Johnson Hip DNP DNP DNP Out
G Damien Lewis Elbow DNP DNP DNP Out
DL Shy Tuttle Foot DNP DNP DNP Out
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest Limited Full Full
S Nick Scott Quadriceps Limited Limited Limited
QB Andy Dalton Ankle Full Full Full
WR Diontae Johnson Groin DNP Limited Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP Full
G Robert Hunt Hip Limited Questionable

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