Panther Injuries a Concern for the Chiefs Game

Here's the Wednesday did not practice list:

Five players didn't practice Wednesday because of injuries: Offensive tackle Jordan Gross (concussion), cornerback Ken Lucas (ankle), quarterback Matt Moore (leg), offensive tackle Jeff Otah (ankle) and safety Quinton Teal. -- David Scott

I think it's safe to say there is no way Jordan Gross plays Sunday. Players that receive that severe of a concussion are held out for a week or two minimum. The Panthers have plenty of experience dealing with concussions (ala Dan Morgan). This means Travelle Wharton will again play LT and Geoff Hangartner will get another start at LG. Wharton will be matched up on 3^rd year player DE Tamba Hali who has yet to record a sack in 2008 though he had 7.5 last season. I bigger worry is having Hangartner matched up on rookie DT Glen Dorsey, who has yet to make a big splash in the NFL.

I'm pretty sure CB Ken Lucas will play but if he doesn't look for CB Dante Wesley to get the start instead of Richard Marshall. The Panthers value Marshall in the nickel CB spot too much to move him and I doubt anyone on the bench can play the position as well as Marshall. The nickel CB spot is a very cerebral position and can be a huge liability on 3^rd down in the Panthers scheme if the person doesn't make the right reads. Wesley came into the game when Lucas went down so I expect the Panthers to repeat that move if required for a single game.

I have no reason to think T Jeff Otah won't play but if he doesn't then certainly Jeremy Bridges will get the start. This will require the Panthers to leave T Frank Omiyale on the active roster for the first time this season or else they risk a glaring hole if they suffer another injury to the line. I hate the thought of having two starters and both tackles out for a game. It's like a flashback to 2006 when both Wharton and C Justin Hartwig were lost early in the season.

It's strange they don't list what S Quinton Teal's problem was but it could have simply been a sickness. He's only a special teamer anyway so it's not a huge impact if he can't play. It probably just means he'll be inactive for the Chiefs game.

Update on Teal: I found it elsewhere, it's an ankle issue.