Panthers injury report: Chark won’t play vs. Falcons, Thielen listed as questionable
The Panthers have ruled out wideout DJ Chark for the Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Friday, the Panthers announced that Chark will miss the season-opener with a hamstring injury. Fellow wideout Adam Thielen (ankle) is listed as questionable for the matchup. Chark and Thielen were limited in practice on Friday.
Wideout Terrace Marshall (back) was a full participant on Friday, and he was left off the final injury report. Safety Sam Franklin (knee) was also left off the injury report heading into the weekend.
With Chark out of the lineup, the Panthers will rely on Marshall, second-round pick Jonathan Mingo, Laviska Shenault and recently added playmaker Ihmir Smith-Marsette at wideout.
The Panthers will monitor the status of Thielen and figure out an alternative game plan at receiver if he is unable to play against Atlanta.
If Thielen was to miss the game, the Panthers could elevate Derek Wright — who made the team’s initial 53-man roster — from the practice squad. Dezmon Patmon, a former Indianapolis Colts wideout, could also be an option for elevation.
In positive news, pass rusher Brian Burns — who is in the middle of contract negotiations with the Panthers — practiced throughout the week and was left off the injury report throughout the preparation period leading up to the final injury report.
Given Burns’ ongoing contract negotiations, it’s unclear whether or not he will play against Atlanta. However, practicing throughout the week might be a good sign for his availability.
Burns declined to address the media throughout the week. He declined to speak Friday through a team spokesperson.
This story was originally published September 8, 2023 at 12:52 PM.
