The Panthers are officially practicing for their first game of the year. They’ll be hosting the Rams on Sunday in their Week 1 matchup and for the most part they have a healthy roster heading into the season.
There are a couple notable exceptions, though. Here are a few injury updates from the media at the team facility.
QB Cam Newton
Newton is still recovering from the mid-foot sprain the Patriots’ pass rush gave him in Week 3 of the preseason. Coach Ron Rivera told reporters last week there’s no doubt in his mind that Cam will play against LA.
General manager Marty Hurney confirmed today he thinks Newton is good to go.
Newton is on pace. He took every rep at practice:
OT Greg Little
Little, a second-round draft pick and the projected franchise left tackle of the future, suffered a concussion against New England. He’s been in the protocol since then and there’s no change in his status. Hurney says Little’s making progress, though.
Whether Little is cleared to go against LA or not, expect to see Daryl Williams starting at left tackle. He’s been getting first-team reps most of this offseason and is listed first on the depth chart.
TE Greg Olsen
Carolina’s top tight end Greg Olsen also did not practice. It’s unclear what’s going on with him at this time. He might have just gotten a vet day off.
Update:
After practice, Rivera said Olsen is “taking care of some stuff.”
Whatever that means.
LB Bruce Irvin
Eight-year linebacker Bruce Irvin is dealing with a hamstring issue. While he’s back at practice, he’s not in pads.
K Graham Gano
Finally, Hurney shed some light on why the team put Gano on injured reserve.
The first official injury report of the year will be coming out Wednesday. We’ll learn more about Irvin and Little then.
