The Panthers face the Saints in the 2020 season finale on Sunday, and they have ruled several key players as doubtful. Christian McCaffrey, Mike Davis, Russell Okung, Brian Burns and Troy Pride Jr. are not expected to play and are all but officially ruled out.
Panthers injury report for Saints game:
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 1, 2021
Doubtful: DE Brian Burns (shoulder), RB Christian McCaffrey (quad), RB Mike Davis (ankle), OT Russell Okung (calf), CB Troy Pride Jr. (hip).
Matt Rhule indicated all are very doubtful, ie, won't play.
With Okung expected to miss Sunday’s game and Trent Scott on injured reserve, that means Michael Schofield is expected to start in his place, with Aaron Monteiro as the backup. If last week’s game against Washington is any indicator, Teddy Bridgewater will have an interesting afternoon trying to avoid pressure from the Saints’ defensive line.
Rhule says that all of these doubtful players are pretty much out. Michael Schofield will start at LT with Aaron Monteiro backing him up.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) January 1, 2021
Yetur Gross-Matos (shoulder), Austin Larkin (shoulder) and Efe Obada (shoulder) are questionable, but expected to play. https://t.co/HNDGq6M1aI
Yetur Gross-Matos, Austin Larkin and Efe Obada are listed as questionable, but expected to play this weekend.
Questionable: DE Yetur Gross-Matos (shoulder), DE Austin Larkin (shoulder), DL Efe Obada (shoulder/toe).
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 1, 2021
Matt Rhule indicated questionable guys expected to play vs. Saints.
Matt Rhule told the media on Wednesday that Christian McCaffrey and Russell Okung won’t play on Sunday, so I’m not sure why they’re not ruled out instead of doubtful, but it is what it is.
Matt Rhule puts an end to this one: “Christian won’t play this week.”
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) December 30, 2020
Neither will Russell Okung.
The Panthers and Saints kick off on Sunday, January 3 at 4:25 p.m. ET. As always, stay tuned for live updates and an open game thread.