Two Carolina Panthers players sat out today’s practice that was open to the media: wide receiver Keith Kirkwood and tight end Temarrick Hemingway. After it was over, head coach Matt Rhule offered some updates on what’s going on with them.
Rhule told reporters that Kirkwood will be out several weeks with a shoulder injury and Hemingway is a day-to-day with a head injury.
This means Kirkwood could miss the season opener against the Raiders, which helps explain why the team brought in former Saints receiver/returner Tommylee Lewis.
As for Hemingway, this won’t help his chances of making the 53-man roster. The team also signed former Chargers tight end Andrew Vollert. Hemingway might need to beat out both Vollert and Colin Thompson for a roster spot.
In related news, Russell Okung left today’s practice early with a trainer. According to Rhule, he’s experiencing lower back tightness and leaving the field to work in the pool is part of his routine.
Good to know.
The Panthers will need a healthy Okung starting at left tackle, or else their trade of Trai Turner will be a total bust.
