While the Panthers injury list looked bad early on this week, it cleaned up quite a bit since then. The Jags on the other hand will be missing a few starters.
Panthers
Name | Position | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri | Game Status |
Brockel, Richie | TE | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
Chandler, Nate | OT | Knee | LP | DNP | DNP | Out |
Kalil, Ryan | C | Knee | LP | LP | FP | Probable |
Lotulelei, Star | DT | Foot | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
Norman, Josh | CB | Concussion | LP | LP | FP | Probable |
Williams, Teddy | CB | Groin | FP | FP | FP | Probable |
Well the writing was on the wall for Star at this point. Whether it was the lack of practices since the injury in the offseason, or the team trying out defensive ends and defensive tackles last week, they made it all but clear that they are holding off until Star is 100% ready. As nice as it would be to have Star Lotulelei week one, you simply can't force it with a foot injury to a 300 pound man. Kawann Short remains the only "swing" defensive tackle, meaning he can bounce from under tackle to nose tackle. Expect a heavy rotation of Colin Cole and Kyle Love on early downs at nose tackle with Short at under tackle, with Dwan Edwards coming in on passing downs. I could also see the Panthers kicking Kony Ealy inside a few times to further diversify the rotation.
Per Blackandbluereview.com's Twitter account, Ryan Kalil did practice fully but likely won't take 100% of the snaps, so expect to see Remmers in at center a few times with rookie Daryl Williams making his debut at right tackle on some snaps. Chandler's absence only further cements this scenario.
It's good to see Josh Norman and Teddy Williams ready to go, giving the Panthers all four of their cornerbacks for week one. As I stated yesterday, Norman on Allen Robinson should be a fun matchup to watch and Teddy Williams is a special teams ace.
Jaguars
Name | Position | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri | Game Status |
Bennett, Michael | DT | Ankle | LP | FP | FP | Probable |
Branch, Andre | DE | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
Cyprien, Johnathan | S | Finger | FP | FP | FP | Probable |
Gerhart, Toby | RB | Abdomen | LP | LP | LP | Questionable |
Lee, Marqise | WR | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful |
Marks, Sen'Derrick | DT | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
Reynolds, LaRoy | LB | Knee | LP | LP | FP | Probable |
Thomas, Julius | TE | Hand | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
Walters, Bryan | WR | Hamstring | DNP | FP | FP | Probable |
The big story all week has been anticipation for WR Allen Robinson, but we should also see a healthy amount of rookie Rashad Greene with Marqise Lee doubtful to play. Julius Thomas not playing is no surprise either, so it'll be all about the wideouts in the passing game for the Jags. Look for Marcedes Lewis in the passing game as well.
The Jags will also be missing a pair of starters on the defensive line in Andre Branch and Sen'Derrick Marks. Marks is a highly underrated talent, having racked up 8.5 sacks at defensive tackle last year. Former first round pick Tyson Alualu will step in, but his absence will be felt for sure. Andre Branch will likely be replaced by former Seahawk Chris Clemons.
Toby Gerhart being questionable isn't much of a story as the running game will be fueled by rookie TJ Yeldon and spelled by Denard Robinson.
What injuries will impact the game most Panthers fans?