Carolina Panthers release Thursday injury report ahead of Saints game

Ahead of their matchup with the New Orleans Saints this week, the Carolina Panthers have made their injury report available from Thursday’s practice.

The Panthers were without a pair of veteran starters on Thursday.

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore and left tackle Cameron Erving both missed practice with injuries. Erving was inactive last week, and rookie Brady Christensen took his place in the lineup. The Panthers do not expect Gilmore to return from his groin injury this week.

Carolina currently has 13 players on the COVID-reserve list.

Carolina injury report versus Saints

Did not practice – CB Stephon Gilmore (groin), OL Cameron Erving (ankle)

Limited participation – S Juston Burris (groin), S Sean Chandler (groin), LB Jermaine Carter Jr. (groin)

On top of COVID-19, the Panthers are dealing with a rash of groin injuries on the defense. Along with Stephon Gilmore, Juston Burris, Sean Chandler and Jermain Carter all practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday due to groin injuries.

Panthers add players to COVID list

On Thursday, the team announced they’re placing three more players on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The Panthers added safety Kenny Robinson, defensive end Darryl Johnson, and practice squad running back Reggie Bonnafon to the COVID-19 list Thursday.

The silver lining of the latest bout of bad news is that veteran cornerback Rashaan Melvin is back.

Earlier this week, star defensive end Brian Burns and linebacker Shaq Thompson tested positive on Monday.

Additionally, Hasson Reddick went onto the list on Wednesday. After coming to Carolina last offseason, Reddick has accumulated 37 tackles and 11 sacks, while also forcing two fumbles.

The loss of Burns is already a huge blow to the Panthers defense. The former Florida State star has accumulated 48 tackles, nine sacks and two forced fumbles this year.

Additionally, Thompson is one of the leaders of the Panthers defense. On the season, the former Washington star has amassed 91 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.