Update: Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has announced that defensive tackle Kawann Short will require season-ending shoulder surgery.
Matt Rhule: KK Short has a season-ending shoulder injury.
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) October 14, 2020
The Panthers were back on the field today as they prepare for their Week 6 matchup with the Bears, but today’s practice was a little different than the normal Wednesday session. Because the Panthers are currently operating under the league’s ‘intensive COVID-19 protocols’ they were required to wear gloves and masks during practice. As a result, the team worked out in shells without helmets as opposed to a normal fully padded practice.
There were several key names not present today. Defensive tackle Kawann Short and edge rushers Brian Burns and Yetur Gross-Matos did not practice. Cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Eli Apple were present for today’s session, but were in green non-contact jerseys.
Panthers practice with COVID protocols, everyone wearing masks.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) October 14, 2020
-Did not see Yetur Gross-Matos (ankle), Kawann Short (shoulder)
-Brian Burns (concussion) not practicing but out here in red jersey
-Eli Apple (hamstring) and Donte Jackson (toe) in green non-contact jerseys pic.twitter.com/IFUCEcNaj4
On the positive news front, all of the team’s offensive linemen were on the field today.
All of the Panthers offensive linemen were at practice.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) October 14, 2020
Running back Christian McCaffrey was not at practice today either, which means he’s likely to stay on injured reserve for another week. He was eligible to enter the 21-day period to return to the active roster this week, but it seems he needs a bit more time before he’s able to get back on the field. (Note: high ankle sprains typically require 4-6 weeks of recovery.) Considering the fact that backup running back Mike Davis is currently running over every defender who comes within three yards of him, being precautionary with McCaffrey is probably a solid strategy.
There are no reports of any Panthers testing positive for COVID-19 for now, but we’ll definitely keep an eye on the situation and continue to hope for the best.
Panthers injury report
Did not participate in practice
EDGE Brian Burns (concussion)
EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos (ankle)
DT Kawann Short (shoulder)
Limited participation in practice
CB Eli Apple (hamstring)
CB Donte Jackson (toe)
Full participation in practice
N/A
Practice Status
Did not participate in practice = 0% of a player’s normal repetitions
Limited participation in practice = Less than 100% of a player’s normal repetitions
Full participation in practice = 100% of a player’s normal repetitions
Game Status
Out = Player will not play
Doubtful = Player unlikely to play
Questionable = Uncertain if player will play