Carolina Panthers on the mend, three set for a Week 5 return

The Carolina Panthers Week 5 injury report is loaded with full participants.

If anything has defined the Carolina Panthers brief 2018 season it has been injuries. Regardless of the performance from new coordinators in every aspect of the game (offense, defense and special teams), new personnel on the field, or even a new franchise owner – injuries have been the headline.

Multiple position changes have occurred along the offensive line as four starters have been replaced at one point or another over the past four weeks and during preseason play. At wide receiver, speedster Curtis Samuel, who has yet to play and Damiere Byrd have both missed time, not to mention losing a captain and veteran receiving threat in tight end Greg Olsen during a Week 1 contest.

However, it appears the Panthers made an early season bye week count as many of those should be ready for a Week 5 return. The official injury report listed six Panthers on Wednesday and four were full participants. Not being limited during the first official practice for game week is almost a guaranteed sign that each will play barring any set back.

Only Olsen and defensive end Julius Peppers (rest) did not practice. Olsen is ahead of schedule after re-aggrevating the same foot injury which caused him to miss nine games last season but should not be rushed back onto the field – especially if Carolina keeps winning.

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Those that did participate include receivers Samuel and Byrd, offensive guard Trai Turner and defensive tackle Vernon Butler. Turner has been sidelined with a concussion but participating in practice all week after clearing the protocol and is expected to return on Sunday.

Samuel and Byrd can both impact a game as receiving options or on special teams. Byrd flashed his return abilities during a Week 1 contest versus Dallas but has since been out with a knee injury. Samuel’s absence was due to a medical procedure related to an irregular heart beat so his return is encouraging news.

Butler played nearly half of the defensive snaps for Carolina last week but has been battling a shoulder injury. He isn’t expected to miss any significant time and also practiced fully on Wednesday.

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Playing their first of at least 13 straight games in as many weeks, a healthy Panthers roster is a positive sign moving forward.

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