The Giants and Panthers will be squaring off tonight and both teams have a few key players that are suffering from injuries. The short week may be blamed for many players missing this game who might otherwise be ready to go for a Sunday match up.
We'll take a look at these players after the jump...
Update: Coach Rivera today said that he would be "very surprised" if RB Jonathan Stewart was active today based on what they saw this morning. So it looks like J-Stew will be out for the game today.
Update #2: Byron Bell is inactive for today's game and out, giving Gary Williams the start. Thomas Davis is also out today.
Carolina Panthers
RB Jonathan Stewart: Questionable (Toe/Ankle)
Jonathan Stewart is battling a toe injury in addition to the ankle sprain that hampered him in Week 1. He is a game-time decision as of right now and we will be sure to update this once his in-or-out status is known.
RT Byron Bell: Questionable (Ankle)
Bell suffered an injury to his ankle during the Panthers' win over the Saints last week and has been held out of practice all week. If he does not go, it's likely that backup RT Gary Wiliams will get the start with Bruce Campbell being the back up for the game. Like with Stewart, we will update this when it is known.
LB Thomas Davis: Questionable (Hamstring)
Good news everyone! Davis's knee is holding up just fine. Bad news everyone! TD is still having issues with a hamstring that bothered him throughout the pre-season.
WR Steve Smith: Probable (Knee)
All lights appear to be green for the veteran WR Steve Smith. He had some soreness in his knee that put him on the injury report but after a full participation in practice on Wednesday, Smith looks to be good to go tonight against the Giants.
Other: G Mike Pollak, S Colin Jones
New York Giants
RB Ahmad Bradshaw: Out
Starting RB for the Giants has already been ruled out for this evening's game after suffering a neck sprain last weekend. This may be a case where the short week really hurts the Giants as we're only 4 days removed from last Sunday.
WR Hakeem Nicks: Out
Nicks will miss this game after suffering a setback on his surgically repaired foot. He was limited in Week 1 and could be seen limping during parts of the game last week against the Buccaneers (although he would return in that game). Like with Bradshaw, the short week may be taking its toll on the Giants.
WR Domenik Hixon: Out
After suffering a concussion last week, he will also be out, forcing Ramses Barden into the starting line up for the Giants.
CB Prince Amukamara: Probable
After being held out the first two weeks, Prince Amukamara looks to make his 2012 debut against the Panthers. He suffered a high ankle sprain in the preseason that has kept the oft-injured CB out thus far, but it's looking as though he will be getting go this week against the Panthers.
RT David Diehl: Out
We learned on Monday that David Diehl, the starting RT for the Giants, will need surgery to repair the MCL in his right knee, so he will obviously be out this week. The Giants shifted Sean Locklear to the right side and put T Will Beatty into the line.
Others: CB Michael Coe (Questionable), DE Adewale Ojomo (Out)