Top Panthers Draft Pick Seems on Track to Play in Week 4 vs. Vikings

Sep 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday saw both the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings release their first injury reports of Week 4.

The Vikings had five defenders sit out on Wednesday, and on Carolina’s side, the top Panthers draft pick, QB Bryce Young, seems on track to play as he was a full participant on Wednesday.

Young sat out of Carolina’s Week 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks while dealing with an ankle injury, and in his stead, the Panthers had Andy Dalton start, who completed 34 of his 58 passes for 361 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Top Panthers Draft Pick Bryce Young Returns to Practice on Wednesday

Top Panthers Draft Pick
Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) shakes hands with quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a look at the full Panthers injury report from Wednesday:

  • WR DJ Chark (Rest, DNP)
  • LB Frankie Luvu (Hip, DNP)
  • WR Jonathan Mingo (Concussion, Limited)
  • OT Taylor Moton (Ankle/rest, DNP)
  • S Xavier Woods (Hamstring, DNP)
  • CB C.J. Henderson (Ankle, Limited)
  • RB Miles Sanders (Groin, Limited)
  • G Chandlers Zavala (Calf, Limited)
  • C Bradley Bozeman (Quad, Full)
  • QB Bryce Young (Ankle, Full)
  • DE LaBryan Ray (Finger, Limited)

The other half of Carolina’s backfield, RB Miles Sanders, remains on the injury report this week as well being a limited participant. Sanders played through his groin injury in Week 3, but he totalled just 9 carries for 24 yards and a touchdown.

The Panthers have moved the ball relatively easily on the ground so far this year, but they haven’t found themselves in a position to do so very often. Carolina ranks 27th in carries through the first three weeks with 65, but 18th in total rushing yards at 298.

Sep 24, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (6) stiff-arms away from a tackle attempt by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina is also starting the week a bit banged up on the offensive line with Taylor Moton and Bradley Bozeman on Wednesday’s injury report. Both players have been veteran starters for Carolina over the past few years, so those names will be worth keeping an eye on as the week progresses.

Both the Panthers and Vikings will release two more injury reports this week on Thursday and Friday, and kickoff between the two is scheduled for 12 PM Central at Bank of America Stadium.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

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