David Newton, ESPN Workers Author
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Lower than 24 hours after extensive receiver Diontae Johnson stated he anticipated to play in Sunday’s recreation at Denver the Carolina Panthers dominated him out with a rib damage.
Requested if the choice had something to do with preserving Johnson wholesome for commerce worth, coach Dave Canales deferred to basic supervisor Dan Morgan and Brandt Tilis, the manager vice chairman of soccer operations.
Johnson had the identical damage together with an ankle damage final week, however performed in a 40-7 loss to the Washington Commanders. He was acquired in a commerce with the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout the offseason and is within the final 12 months of his contract.
“I need to do the perfect factor for Diontae, the perfect factor for the offense and continuity of what we’re making an attempt to get carried out,” Canales stated after Friday’s follow. “The truth that we could not get him again on the sphere … I felt assured within the guys stepping in.”
The Panthers (1-6) additionally can be with out extensive receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring), who was designated for return from damage earlier within the week.
Canales referred to as quarterback Andy Dalton, who suffered a sprained thumb in a automobile crash on Tuesday, a “longshot” to again up Bryce Younger after saying earlier within the week the hope was Dalton could be obtainable if one thing occurred to Younger.
Which means undrafted rookie Jack Plummer is in line to again up Younger, who hasn’t began since being benched after an 0-2 begin
Not having Johnson or Thielen will make it harder for Younger. Johnson leads the group in receptions with 30 for 357 yards and three touchdowns. Thielen led the group in catches a 12 months in the past however has performed solely three video games this season after struggling the hamstring damage that landed him on injured reserve.
Which means Younger’s high receivers can be rookie Xavier Legette (18 catches, 177 yards), Jonathan Mingo (12, 121), Jalen Coker (8, 108) and David Moore (5, 44).
“The entire thing is that the blokes he will be enjoying with on Sunday practiced with him, did an important job,” Canales stated. “It was a extremely good week of follow by way of the throwing and catching and rhythm.” The excellent news for Carolina is exterior linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, who has missed the previous two video games with a shoulder damage, does not have a designation for Sunday and can play.
