5 key observations from Panthers second preseason game at Patriots

Carolina Panthers’ injuries could reshape the process

Getting injuries is never ideal for anyone. Whether it be established figures or those looking to make the 53-man roster, all it takes is one piece of bad news to completely change their outlook for the upcoming campaign.

Although the Carolina Panthers will be pleased that those starters who did play came out unscathed, the same cannot be said of some rotational pieces and roster bubble players.

Of course, the most concerning was Matt Corral. The rookie quarterback looked a lot better during his second taste of NFL action, but he left the game with a foot injury that will undergo tests this weekend before a final conclusion is announced.

Backup pieces such as Cam Erving and Juston Burris also went down with elbow and shoulder injuries respectively Edge rusher Amare Barno also left the warmup encounter with a hamstring problem.

Spencer Brown, a talented running back who has flashed with limited carries and on special teams, was carted off the field. But whether he’d done enough to unseat Chuba Hubbard or D’Onta Foreman from the rotation is another matter.

This is all part of the NFL’s brutal nature. But depending on the diagnosis of each injury, it could have implications on the Panthers’ decision-making process before confirming the latest round of cuts and their 53-man roster.