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Carolina Panthers injury report rules one out against Philadelphia Eagles

By Brandon Scott

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 04: A Carolina Panthers helmet sits on the grass as the team warms up before the start of their game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 4, 2012 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 04: A Carolina Panthers helmet sits on the grass as the team warms up before the start of their game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on November 4, 2012 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers will be near full strength when they face Philadelphia on Sunday.

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera never seems bothered by injuries, always preaching the team mentality and coaching those who will play. Despite the prevelance for injuries in the NFL, this season it seems Carolina has been struck hard by the injury bug – especially along the offensive line.

All teams deal with hardships in any given year and those teams most prepared, which can adapt to their current situation, seem to be the ones left standing when all is said and done. The Panthers appear to be in that situation thanks to the efforts of Rivera, his staff and general manager Marty Hurney.

Having to replace every starter along the offensive line at one point or another this season, the Panthers have never let their bad luck be a distraction. Early, Rivera wasn’t even considering signing any outside help because he believed in the players currently on the roster. However, as a necessity because of the amount of injuries occuring, ultimately Carolina added current starting left tackle Chris Clark, who may challenge Matt Kalil for his position upon return.

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Defensively, the Panthers brought in safety Eric Reid to fill a gap and boost the secondary performance. He’s had mixed results to this point but not much time with his new teammates and zero preseason in order to prepare. Given the benefit of the doubt, his play should improve as the season progresses.

Other than those on the injured reserve list, Carolina will be near full strength on Sunday at Philadelphia. Facing the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Panthers are in for a tough test on the road but should again benefit from the recent returns of tight end Greg Olsen and linebacker Thomas Davis.

Fellow linebacker Andre Smith is the only Panthers player who has been ruled out for the game. After suffering a hamstring injury, the rookie missed last week and every day of practice in preparation for the Eagles.

Serving primairly as a special teams player this season, Smith’s return shouldn’t be rushed but having him on the field will only help in his long-term development. A seventh-round selection this past spring, Smith has shown plenty of athleticism and an ability to contribute if given time to hone his skills.

Veteran defensive end Julius Peppers was the only other player who wasn’t a full participant – listed as limited. Even with the designation, there is little doubt that Peppers suits up and plays on Sunday. After 16 years in the league, he could likely be limited every day and still do the job.

Next. CAR at PHI - Keys to Winning Week 7. dark

The Panthers and Eagles are scheduled to kick off Week 7 at 1:00pm ET inside Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

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