The Panthers placed Justin Houston on injured reserve, Saturday, meaning the linebacker is out for at least the rest of the month.
Carolina already had declared Houston out for its game against the Colts after he didn’t practice all week because of a hamstring strain.
Houston first pulled his hamstring during the team’s win over the Texans, Oct. 29. The Panthers signed the former Georgia Bulldog this past summer. But he hadn’t made the impact the team had hoped. The 34-year-old is playing in about 40 percent of the Panthers defensive snaps. Playing the outside, he’s made nine total tackles with a half sack.
There could be more defensive starters missing by the time the Panthers kick off Sunday against the Colts. The team listed safety Vonn Bell (quad) as doubtful. He’s already missed the past two games.
The Panthers Wire noted how many defensive players have missed time because of injury. It’s a lengthy list. Here’s who already is sidelined — cornerback Jaycee Horn, safety Jeremy Chinn and linebackers Shaq Thompson, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes Sr. and Claduin Cherelus.
Panthers release final injury report before Sunday
Here’s a list of the players who are dealing with injuries and whether they practiced this week.
| Player | Position | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJ Chark | WR | Elbow | DNP | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Claudin Cherelus | LB | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Troy Hill | CB | Illness | DNP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Justin Houston | OLB | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Hayden Hurst | TE | Illness | DNP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Taylor Moton | OT | Knee | DNP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Laviska Shenault Jr. | WR | Ankle | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Vonn Bell | S | Quadriceps | LP | LP | LP | Doubtful |
| Brian Burns | LB | Elbow | LP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Austin Corbett | G | Knee | LP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Frankie Luvu | LB | Hip | LP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Chandler Wooten | LB | Hamstring | LP | LP | FP | (-) |
| Raheem Blackshear | RB | Groin | LP | FP | FP | (-) |
| Xavier Woods | FS | Abdomen | LP | FP | (-) | |
| Cade Mays | G | Ankle | FP | FP | (-) | |
| Donte Jackson | CB | Quadriceps | FP | Questionable | ||
| Alex Cook | SAF | Shoulder | FP | (-) | ||
| Miles Sanders | RB | Calf | FP | (-) |
