The Carolina Panthers will face rivals Atlanta Falcons without key players, chief among them right guard Trai Turner who suffered a concussion last Sunday.
Through a statement, the Panthers confirmed Friday afternoon Turner could be out for more than one week after suffering a concussion in week one. The news came as no surprise, however, as the 25-year-old was conspicuously absent in the team’s practice ground throughout the week.
Apart from the right guard, wide receiver, Curtis Samuel did not attend practice for the second week. Alternative WR Damiere Byrd will also be out following a knee injury. To add to the injured is Greg Olsen whose broken foot disqualified him from Sunday’s line-up.
In spite of the slew of injuries, Coach Ron Rivera doesn’t think he has a “position catastrophe” as he said two years ago when he had a similar problem.
“As long as we have guys we have in a position like we do with the backups, I think we’re going to be fine. I really do” Rivera said. “And I feel good about the guys that we brought in.
With Turner out, the Panthers plan to replace him with Tyler Larsen or Amini Silatolu. Byrd’s position will most likely be filled by rookie D.J. Moore. The Falcons are not safe from injuries as well; something the Panthers may find solace in. Keanu Neal will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Linebacker Devonta Freeman won’t appear in week 2 due to injuries as well.
