Panthers WR Laviska Shenault suffered high ankle sprain in loss to Dolphins

Carolina Panthers receiver Laviska Shenault has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain following the team’s 42-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Shenault had to take a cart off the field in the second quarter after snagging a pass from quarterback Bryce Young.

The high-ankle sprain puts the wideout at risk of missing the Panthers’ next game, which comes in Week 8 after a bye. Depending on the severity of the sprain, Carolina could even consider moving Shenault to IR.

“X-rays were negative,” NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday. “He was spotted leaving the locker room on crutches with a walking boot. Carolina has a bye next week.”

The 25-year-old hauled in three receptions for 15 yards before exiting the game. He added one carry for two yards. So far this season, he has seven catches for 43 yards as well as 55 yards rushing on 12 carries.

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.

Shenault joins growing list of Panthers’ injured

The Panthers were shorthanded at several key positions coming into the game against Miami. Running back Miles Sanders and safety Vonn Bell were both inactive for 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 take a cart 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.

On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this report.