Panthers Week 16 Injury Report: 5 questionable, 1 out
The Carolina Panthers are relatively healthy entering their final home game…
Unlike their opponent on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers are one of the healthiest teams in football this late into the season. After playing a majority of the year without veteran captains Ryan Kalil and Greg Olsen on offense, both recently returned and have contributed to the recent surge in offense for the Panthers.
As Carolina concludes a late season home stand with a divisional rival, the Panthers will only be missing one key component along the offensive line. Guard Trai Turner remains sidelined and in the NFL concussion protocol after reporting to practice a day after defeating Minnesota with concussion symptoms.
Amini Silatolu started in place of Turner last week versus Green Bay playing the entire game. The former Panthers starter earned the position over rookie Taylor Moton because of his experience on the interior of the offensive line. Silatolu helped pave the way for 151 yards on the ground, allowing only a single sack of quarterback Cam Newton.
Five Panthers have been listed as questionable, but only wide receiver Russell Shepard should be in jeopardy of missing the game. Shepard injured his shoulder in last week’s win over the Packers, exiting in the second half and missing practice until Friday.
Carolina linebacker Shaq Thompson is expected to play after missing the past two games with plantar fasciitis. A much needed return considering Thomas Davis is serving a one game suspension for his blindside block against Packers wide receiver Davante Adams.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
With Davis absent the Panthers promoted practice squad receiver Mose Frazier. His promotion provides added security should Shepard not be available and indicates the coaches and trainers are confident of Thompson’s availability.
Others listed as questionable include backup center Tyler Larsen, wide receiver Devin Funchess and defensive end Mario Addison. Each is expected to play as Carolina can secure a playoff berth with just one more win.
Opposite, the Buccaneers have ruled defensive end Robert Ayers and receiver DeSean Jackson out after placing five players on injured reserve this week. On a positive note for Tampa Bay, linebacker Lavonte David and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy have been upgraded to questionable after missing last week.
Next: Playoff Perspective - Week 16
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00pm ET.