The Carolina Panthers will kick off their 2020 season six days from now at home against the Las Vegas Raiders. We will be getting our first official injury report of the year on Wednesday. For now, we have a few small updates from the beat reporters at the facility.
According to the Charlotte Observer, guard Dennis Daley, cornerback Eli Apple, wide receiver Keith Kirkwood and tight end Ian Thomas are all not participating in today’s practice, the first of Week 1. On the bright side, linebacker Shaq Thompson and defensive end Stephen Weatherly returned and are getting a full workload.
First practice of Week 1:
– No Dennis Daley, Eli Apple (hamstring) or Keith Kirkwood (IR) at practice
– Ian Thomas (toe) at practice, but not participating
– Shaq Thompson and Stephen Weatherly back fully participating
– New guys not here yet, going through COVID protocols— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) September 7, 2020
It’s unclear what’s going on with Daley at this point. If coach Matt Rhule offers any info after practice we will post an update.
As for the rest, Kirkwood was just placed on injured reserve to make room for tight end Colin Thompson. He had to have surgery on his shoulder recently and isn’t expected to be recovered for a few weeks.
Thomas is at practice at least but still isn’t participating. Rhule has said his toe injury isn’t serious and he’s expected back soon.
Apple has been dealing with a tight hamstring for the last few days, opening up the possibility that somebody else could start at outside cornerback opposite Donte Jackson against the Raiders. Rookie Troy Pride Jr. might be the best candidate if that’s the case.
The team also picked up former Eagles corner Rasul Douglas off waivers on Sunday. It may be too soon for him to work his way into the lineup, though. Douglas has not cleared the COVID protocols yet, so we won’t see him or Shareef Miller and Trenton Scott practicing for a couple more days.
Update:
Rhule says Daley is dealing with a sprained ankle and is considered day-to-day.
