Tag: robert hunt

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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Panthers players react to their 1st win of 2024 season

The Panthers took some much-needed, well-deserved victory laps on social media after their upset of the Raiders.

Not many folks believed the Carolina Panthers had much of a chance to pick up their first win of the 2024 season on Sunday. Well, guess what?

The Panthers pounded their way to a 36-22 victory in Week 3 over the Las Vegas Raiders. Led by a sparkling performance by new starting quarterback Andy Dalton, Carolina hit on pretty much all cylinders to pull off the stunning upset.

And, rightfully so, the team took some much-needed and well-deserved victory laps on Twitter/X following the triumph . . .

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4 things to know for Panthers vs. Raiders in Week 3

Panthers HC Dave Canales is hoping to alter his team’s fortunes beginning in Week 3.

Despite piecing together about as brutal of an 0-2 start as possible, the Carolina Panthers step into Week 3 with a little renewed hope—as a switch under center could result in a switch in fortunes.

But before we hit kickoff on Sunday, here are four things to know about this week’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders:

First-year matchup

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Both Dave Canales and Antonio Pierce have entered 2024 as first-time full-time head coaches. And Week 3 will be the first time that either face a fellow first-year head coach.

Canales comes into the match looking for his first career win, whereas Pierce can snag his second this season and his seventh overall—with five coming in his interim role in 2023. Both are also looking to establish their cultures amidst a pair of shaky quarterback situations.

The Red Rifle

Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Speaking of shaky quarterback situations, the Panthers have decided to bench the struggling Bryce Young after just 18 career starts. They’ll now look to 14th-year veteran Andy Dalton for some form of offensive success.

Dalton made one start for Carolina in 2023, passing for 361 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. So that success brings a bit of hope that the 36-year-old could unlock some functionality that we have yet to see from this offense in 2024.

Gladiator match

Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

The major strengths for both teams reside in the trenches.

For Las Vegas, it’s on defense—where stars Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins reside. For Carolina, it’s actually been on offense—where this offseason’s investments into guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt have already begun to pay off.

Whoever can control the line of scrimmage, particularly in this battle, should have the advantage.

Tight history

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers-Raiders matchups are pretty rare, as the two teams have met just seven times. Las Vegas has the slight edge, carrying a 4-3 mark against Carolina heading into the weekend.

The Panthers can even up the all-time series by notching their first (and much-needed) win of the 2024 campaign.

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Key matchups for Panthers vs. Raiders in Week 3

The Panthers’ hog mollies will have their hands full in Las Vegas on Sunday.

If the Carolina Panthers are to lucky against the Las Vegas Raiders in Sin City on Sunday, here are four key matchups that will help them hit the jackpot . . .

Panthers RT Taylor Moton vs. Raiders DE Maxx Crosby

Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

If Carolina wants to get its passing game going, they’ll have to keep Crosby away from new starting quarterback Andy Dalton as much as possible. That’ll be the primary job of Moton, who is coming off another tough assignment out of the AFC West in Joey Bosa.

The eighth-year hog molly, per Pro Football Focus, allowed zero pressures in the 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Panthers G Austin Corbett and RG Robert Hunt vs. Raiders DT Christian Wilkins

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

If Carolina wants to establish the run, then they’ll have keep Wilkins (if he plays) from eating up space. Just as a reminder, it was Wilkins who held the single-season tackles record for a defensive lineman before Carolina’s Derrick Brown broke it in 2023.

Like their line mate in Moton, both Corbett and Hunt have been reliable in passing game—as opponents have produced just one pressure against the duo. Hunt, in particular, is also thriving through the ground—as he’s earned a 73.8 run-blocking grade from PFF.

Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney vs. Raiders RT Thayer Munford Jr.

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Las Vegas quarterback Gardner Minshew has recorded 428 passing yards from a clean pocket, the third-highest such total thus far. So he may have himself quite a day against the Carolina defense, which has tallied only two takedowns of opposing quarterbacks.

Clowney has to get it going against Munford Jr., who has been charged with a pair of sacks entering Week 3.

Panthers ILB Shaq Thompson vs. Raiders TE Brock Bowers

Harry How/Getty Images

Bowers is a pretty special talent at the tight end position, and the defensive deployments for the rookie have proven exactly that. The 13th overall pick, who is already at 156 receiving yards and 17 targets, has been lined up against linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties in his first two pro games.

The Raiders will probably try to get him matched with the ‘backers as much as they can on Sunday.

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Panthers Week 3 injury report: Starting DL Shy Tuttle doubtful vs. Raiders

The Panthers will likely be without another starting defensive lineman in Week 3.

The Carolina Panthers may have even more troubling defending the run.

Friday’s injury report for this weekend’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders lists starting nose tackle Shy Tuttle as doubtful. Tuttle missed the entire of week practice due to a foot injury.

If Tuttle is indeed out, the Panthers will be missing two of their three opening-day starters on the defensive line—as Pro Bowler Derrick Brown is already shut down for the remainder of the campaign due to a torn meniscus. Oh, and they could possibly be down all three, as A’Shawn Robinson has been deemed questionable with a knee issue.

Carolina is currently carrying three other defensive linemen on their active roster (Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray and Jayden Peevy) and two on their practice squad (DeShawn Williams and T.J. Smith).

Here’s the team’s final injury report for Week 3:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee DNP Limited Limited Questionable
DL Shy Tuttle Foot DNP DNP DNP Doubtful
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP Full Full –
TE Feleipe Franks Personal DNP Full Full –
G Robert Hunt Shoulder Limited Full Full –
G Damien Lewis Groin Limited Full Full –
TE Tommy Tremble Hamstring/back Limited Limited Limited –
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP Full –
CB Lonnie Johnson Thigh Limited Limited Questionable
S Nick Scott Neck Limited Limited Questionable

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Panthers boast some of PFF’s highest-graded OLs entering Week 3

The hog mollies in Carolina have been putting in work to start the season.

Between their disappointing 0-2 start and the benching of last year’s No. 1 overall pick, the Carolina Panthers haven’t given fans much reason to smile to start the 2024 campaign. But there may just be one thing in Charlotte worth celebrating.

The hog mollies have flown under the radar in the first two weeks of the season. A major point of emphasis during the spring, the retooled offensive line is churning out some of the best numbers in the NFL thus far.

According to Pro Football Focus, it’s Austin Corbett who’s leading all players at his position in pass protection. The guard-turned-center has yet to relinquish a single pressure and currently has an 83.5 pass-blocking grade—the highest at the spot.

Robert Hunt, Corbett’s reason for his transition to the middle, has been getting some work in as well. The $100 million man is earning his huge deal to this point, ranking second amongst all guards with an 86.0 pass-blocking mark.

Fellow free-agent signee and guard Damien Lewis isn’t too shabby either, ranking 16th in the category with a 76.6 grade.

While both tackles for the Panthers fall a bit behind their interior, they have still been solid. Right tackle Taylor Moton, in particular, grades out as the 15th-best offensive tackle in pass protection (77.6).

So even though the offense as a whole has been hindered by suboptimal quarterback play, one could point to this offensive line as a reason to still have hope for the group. And with a more functional quarterback under center, perhaps the team can actually find its first win (and smiles) of the season.

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