Carolina Panthers release Thursday injury report ahead Bills game

The Carolina Panthers released their injury report after Thursday’s practice ahead of Sunday’s game versus the Buffalo Bills.

The Panthers and Bills face off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX. Carolina is in the last spot in the NFC South with their 5-8 record. Buffalo is 7-6, sitting behind the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Here’s the Panthers’ full injury report for Thursday.

Carolina Thursday practice report

Did Not Practice: DB A.J. Bouye (foot), QB Matt Barkley (Illness)

Veteran CB A.J. Bouye injured his foot against the Falcons on Sunday and didn’t return. If he can’t play on Sunday, it’d be a significant loss for the Panthers.

Limited Participants: WR D.J. Moore (hamstring), G Michael Jordan (hamstring)

Michael Jordan was ruled out of last Sunday’s game against the Falcons due to his hamstring issue. Panthers fans would like to see the offensive line get healthy, as they have used nine different offensive line combinations already throughout the season.

Having star receiver D.J. Moore get in a limited practice should be exciting for Panthers fans. He’s currently their biggest offensive weapon and it’s not even close. His numbers have been hurt in 2021 by the Panthers hit-and-miss quarterback play. Still, he’s found a way to shine, hauling in 72 catches for 938 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Full Participant: G John Miller (ankle), LB Jermaine Carter, Jr. (groin)

Miller has missed the last two games due to his ankle injury, so he’ll be a welcome addition to the Panthers’ starting lineup. He’ll start at right guard if he’s officially active on Sunday. Being a full participant in practice is usually a great indicator he’ll be back versus the Bills.

Linebacker Jermaine Carter, Jr. is coming off one of his best performances of the season against the Falcons. He racked up eight tackles (three solo) and recovered a fumble in the 29-21 loss to the Falcons. His full practice participation is big for the Panthers.

Panthers designate Darnold for return from IR

Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold returned from the injured reserve on Wednesday. Darnold practiced for the first time since Week 10.

Despite getting back into playing condition after his shoulder injury, Sam Darnold will not play this weekend. Matt Rhule shared that the plan is to continue forward with Cam Newton as the starter and P.J. Walker in relief.

The 5-8 Panthers take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in the noon window. Given that it’s a road game, it’s unclear whether Sam Darnold will travel with the team.

Also coming off IR heading into Week 15 games is Stanley Thomas-Oliver III. The cornerback suffered a foot injury in Week 11.

Both Panthers players have a 21-day window to return to the active roster.

Sam Darnold has 1,986 passing yards this year with a 59.5% completion rating. He’s also thrown 11 picks to seven touchdowns. Darnold’s added almost 200 yards rushing and five scores on the ground as well. Cam Newton is 58.7% in his four games played with six scores and three interceptions.