Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines with one day remaining until their Week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons?
As the Carolina Panthers stumble toward the end of their 2023 regular season engagements, they'll play the role of potential party pooper this weekend. The Atlanta Falcons are hoping to make the postseason by winning the NFC South. Getting one over on their division rivals at Bank of America Stadium would throw a significant wrench into these ambitions.
Whether they can muster up enough character to secure only their second win of the campaign is up for debate. Until then, the stories accumulating column inches include Bryce Young's unlikely ally, making the right call with Hayden Hurst, anticipating bad weather, and Carolina's full injury report for their game versus the Falcons.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers fans bracing for bad weather
Tickets are going for astonishingly cheap on Sunday. Anyone wishing to attend the game can get in for $10 or less. They should also expect difficult weather conditions to make matters worse.
Forecasts project heavy rain and high winds throughout the contest. This will make things difficult for kickers and rookie quarterback Bryce Young in the passing game. Therefore, expect to see a game plan focused around the Carolina Panthers running back trio of Chuba Hubbard, Raheem Blackshear, and Miles Sanders.
The Panthers' defense needs to buckle their chin straps extra tight as a heavy dose of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier will be coming their way. For the fans bothering to attend, it's a case of wrap-up warm, wear waterproofs, and try not to let the expected conditions dampen your day.
Carolina Panthers injury report for Week 15
It's been a difficult year all around for the Carolina Panthers. Some of it is down to coaching. There are also questions being asked about suspect personnel choices. However, the terrible luck on the injury front hasn't helped en route to one of the worst seasons in franchise history up to now.
The Panthers are getting a little healthier - especially on defense. Just two players were officially ruled out for Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons, with tight end Ian Thomas and offensive lineman Justin McCray both unable to participate due to ankle and calf complications respectively.
Interim head coach Chris Tabor didn't seem too bothered about Brian Burns' ankle after listing the stud edge rusher as questionable. The Panthers have erred on the side of caution with him this week, so it would be a surprise if the former first-round pick out of Florida State didn't suit up.
There's also an illness going around, which isn't ideal. Here is the Panthers' full injury report for Week 15 at Bank of America Stadium:
- Justin McCray (OT) - Out (calf)
- Ian Thomas (TE) - Out (ankle)
- Brian Burns (OLB) - Questionable (ankle)
- D'Shawn Jamison (CB) - Questionable (illness)
- Amare Barno (OLB) - Questionable (illness)
- Sam Franklin Jr. (S) - Questionable (illness)
- Xavier Woods (S) - Questionable (illness)
- Yetur Gross-Matos (OLB) - Questionable (knee)
Carolina Panthers place Hayden Hurst on IR
Hayden Hurst taking to the practice field in a red non-contact jersey just one day after his father revealed he'd been diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia following a hit against the Chicago Bears was a bad look. While the veteran tight end stated the prognosis wasn't career-ending, there's just no telling what coming back too soon would have done for his long-term health.
Hurst hasn't been seen at practice this week. What came next from the Carolina Panthers was the right decision in the circumstances.
The team confirmed that Hurst had been placed on season-ending injured reserve. This gives the former South Carolina college star all the time he needs to rest, recover, and make some important decisions regarding the future.
I've made my opinion on this situation clear previously. While Hurst has every right to carry on playing the game he loves once medically cleared, keeping the bigger picture in mind is of critical importance. If there's even the slightest chance of another big hit jeopardizing a healthy life once he calls it a day, he should walk away now.
Of course, this is something the Panthers have experienced before. Legendary linebacker Luke Kuechly was forced to retire after eight prolific seasons due to several concussions. Although it was gut-wrenching to the fanbase, it was the correct call to make.
There is more to life than football. That's the bottom line in all this.
Bryce Young's unlikely ally
Bryce Young goes in search of his first NFC South win this weekend at the fifth time of asking. The rookie quarterback is enduring some significant hardship throughout his first season under center. Something that's led many to already label the Carolina Panthers' decision to select him No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft as a grave error in judgment.
Young isn't playing well. This is also a terrible environment for any player looking to grow. So tabbing him as a bust is reactionary and unfair in equal measure.
The former Alabama signal-caller found an unlikely ally in the form of Falcons defensive coordinator Jerry Gray. When discussing the quarterback during media availability this week, the coach stated he's starting to see development via Sports Illustrated. Especially when it comes to the critical area of pocket navigation.
"Well, when you watch the last couple of games, he’s taking off running a lot more. He’s not trying to sit in the pocket and take those hits. I know last week, he made like 40 yards scrambling, which you would’ve never said game one because he sat in there and waited on throws. So now, he’s actually taking off."Jerry Gray via Sports Illustrated
Considering the weather forecast on Sunday, just how much Young will be able to impact proceedings is unclear. He must protect the football and rely on the running game. When chances in the red zone arrive, he must turn them into touchdowns.
If Young can accomplish this and the defense continues to impress, a win is attainable.