Panthers WR Laviska Shenault carted off field with leg injury vs Dolphins

Carolina Panthers receiver Laviska Shenault was carted off the field with a leg injury during the Week 6 road tilt against the Miami Dolphins Sunday.

Shenault suffered the injury during the second quarter after catching a screen pass from quarterback Bryce Young.

Laviska Shenault Jr. INJURIES AND LEAVING THE FIELD pic.twitter.com/PkHwdIOJVP

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According to Augusta Stone of the Panthers, Shenault has been diagnosed with a fibula injury. The Panthers listed Shenault as questionable to return. The 25-year-old hauled in three receptions for 15 yards before exiting the game. He added one carry for two yards.

A 2020 second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of Colorado, Shenault has spent the last two seasons in Carolina. He suited up in 13 games (four starts) in 2022, coming down with 27 receptions for 272 yards and one touchdown. Shenault also had 65 yards on nine carries and a score.

Though he’s played in every game this season, his role has diminished with veterans Adam Thielen and DJ Chark taking the bulk of the playing time. Entering Sunday, Shenault had hauled in just four receptions for 28 yards. In 11 touches out of the backfield, Shenault has totaled 53 yards. Prior to arriving in Carolina, Shenault racked up 1,219 yards on 121 catches and five touchdowns in Jacksonville.

Laviska Shenault becomes latest Panthers offensive player to go down with injury

The Panthers were already shorthanded at several key positions coming into the game against Miami. Running back Miles Sanders and safety Vonn Bell were both listed as inactive ahead of the game. Sanders is dealing with a shoulder injury while Bell has a quadriceps injury. Neither practiced Friday ahead of the trip to South Florida.

Additionally, the Panthers are without rookie offensive lineman Chandler Zavala. He collapsed mid-play last week as he was blocking a Detroit Lions defensive lineman and had to be carted off the field. Luckily, Zavala was able to signal he was alright with a thumbs up as the cart drove to the locker room. He went to the hospital for further evaluation but was able to make the trip back home with the team.