As the Carolina Panthers gear up for their Week 1 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, the team released its full injury report on Wednesday, highlighting some key concerns that could impact the season opener. Chief among them is starting running back Miles Sanders, who is dealing with a finger injury just days before the big game.
According to Steve Reed of the Associated Press, Sanders injured his finger during practice when it collided with a helmet. While he remained optimistic, expressing hope that he will be ready to go for Week 1, the timing couldn’t be worse. “Sucks this happened before Week 1,” Sanders lamented. With high expectations for Sanders after his arrival from Philadelphia this offseason, the Panthers will be monitoring his status closely in the coming days.
Other notable injuries for Carolina include offensive tackle Yosuah Nijman, who was a limited participant in practice due to a tibia injury. Tight end Ian Thomas (calf) did not practice on Wednesday, and fellow tight end Tommy Tremble also missed practice while dealing with back and hamstring issues. The Panthers’ depth at tight end is clearly a concern as they prepare for the Saints.
Meanwhile, New Orleans is battling its own wave of injuries. Linebacker Pete Werner (shoulder), cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hip), and guard Nick Saldiveri (calf) were all limited in Wednesday’s practice. Notably, linebacker Willie Gay Jr. also joined the injury report with a back issue. In more concerning news for the Saints, linebacker Jaylan Ford (hamstring), tight end Dallin Holker (ankle), linebacker D’Marco Jackson (calf), and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (calf) all missed practice entirely.
As both teams prepare for their season debuts, these injuries loom large. The Panthers are eager to see improvement on offense with head coach Dave Canales at the helm and second-year quarterback Bryce Young looking to take a significant step forward. The addition of Sanders was expected to boost the rushing attack, so his status will be critical heading into the matchup.
New Orleans, on the other hand, has its own aspirations to return to prominence in the NFC South. Their injury situation is far from ideal, but with a mix of veteran leadership and rising stars, the Saints will look to overcome their Week 1 setbacks and make a strong start to the season.
As the days tick down to kickoff, all eyes will be on the injury reports for both teams, with the potential to reshape the landscape of this NFC South showdown.
