Panthers Week 9 injury report: Latest on DJ Chark, Donte Jackson; two roster moves made
The Carolina Panthers (1-6) are monitoring a trio of notable injuries entering their Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts (3-4) this weekend.
Friday, the team listed safety Vonn Bell (quadriceps) as doubtful. Cornerback Donte Jackson (quadriceps) and wide receiver DJ Chark (elbow) were listed as questionable for this Sunday’s game.
Bell,who has missed the past two games, would be replaced by Sam Franklin — again — if necessary.
Chark practiced in a red non-contact jersey throughout the week as the team managed an elbow injury suffered in the 15-13 win over the Houston Texans last week. If Chark can’t play, the Panthers will probably move third-year wideout Terrace Marshall into the starting lineup opposite Adam Thielen and rookie Jonathan Mingo.
Jackson was a new addition as a full participant on Friday. If he can’t play, he will likely be replaced by rookie D’Shawn Jamison opposite Troy Hill and CJ Henderson.
The Panthers also ruled out pass rusher Justin Houston (hamstring) and wide receiver/running back Laviska Shenault (ankle) for the game.
Linebacker Claudin Cherelus (knee) was initially ruled out but was later placed on injured reserve, opening up an additional roster spot on the 53-man main roster.
Carolina used that open spot to claim cornerback David Long Jr. off waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders. Long previously played for Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and cornerbacks coach Jonathan Cooley in Los Angeles with the Rams.
Long, listed as 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds, has appeared in 60 career games (11 starts) and produced 89 tackles, eight pass breakups and an interception. Given the quick turnaround of Long’s arrival, it’s not likely he plays Sunday. But because of his experience with the staff, there might be a slim chance he makes an appearance, especially with Jackson’s questionable status.
Houston is likely to be replaced by the combination of rookie DJ Johnson, second-year pass rusher Amare Barno and new arrival Luiji Vilain. Shenault, who missed the win against Houston, will be replaced again by running back Raheem Blackshear in the backfield and at kicker returner.
Below is the final injury report for the Panthers in Week 9:
▪ OUT: OLB Justin Houston (hamstring), WR/KR Laviska Shenault (ankle)
▪ Doubtful: S Vonn Bell (quadriceps)
▪ Questionable: WR DJ Chark (elbow), CB Donte Jackson (quadriceps)
This story was originally published November 3, 2023 at 12:41 PM.
