The Carolina Panthers‘ week 3 loss to the Cleveland Browns couldn’t have gone much worse. They lost a game they were expected to win, the offense regressed back to the inconsistent form we’ve become accustomed to, and seemingly half the roster got hurt. Now they have to get ready to host the Lions on prime time while down their top two corners among a host of other injury problems.
Monroe Freeling – DNP – Concussion
Jalen Coker – LP – Ankle
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There’s good news and bad news on this report. We’ll start with the good news because it’s significantly shorter. First, Bryce Young seems no worse for the wear after tweaking something late in the game. Nick Scott and Devin Lloyd are also back practicing in full, so the defense will get a couple of reinforcements to somewhat mitigate the loss of the corners.
Now the bad news. The Panthers offensive line is already depleted with both preferred starting tackles working their way back from injury/health issues. Now it’s looking like they’ll be down to their third string at right tackle as Monroe Freeling works his way back from a concussion, and that rarely takes less than a week. At the same time, starting left guard Damien Lewis hurt the UCL in his left elbow and is already considered out for Sunday night. We’re getting close to a group of all backups attempting to protect Young.
To make matters worse, Young’s second and third targets out wide are both dealing with lower body injuries. Jalen Coker had been playing through an ankle injury, but now he has what’s being called a minor quad strain. He might be good to go for Sunday, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if he gets held out with the bye coming up so he can get back to full health without risking a worse injury.
DJ Wonnum – DNP – Back
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That injury report looks real nice compared to what the Panthers are dealing with. To be fair, the Lions are still without starting defensive backs Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, as both are on the PUP list. Otherwise, they’re not in a bad spot.
