The Panthers defense got some much-needed good news Saturday. Not only will they have Jaycee Horn back, but Carolina also activated Jeremy Chinn and Yetur Gross-Matos.
All three had been on injured reserve. And according to the final injury report issued by the Panthers, all three are questionable for Sunday’s road game against the Bucs. The trio participated in every practice this week, but were limited in every workout.
Horn, the team’s top cover cornerback, tore his hamstring. Chinn, a safety, dealt with a quad injury, while linebacker Gross-Matos strained his hamstring. Although the Panthers are going through a brutal season, their defense is a bright spot. Carolina ranks sixth in the NFL in total defense and fifth against the pass.
Only two Panthers have been ruled out — safety Vonn Bell (shoulder) and tight end Hayden Hurst (concussion).
Panthers final injury list
| Player | Position | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vonn Bell | S | Shoulder | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Marquis Haynes | LB | Back | DNP | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Hayden Hurst | TE | Concussion | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Taylor Moton | OT | Knee | DNP | LP | FP | |
| Tommy Tremble | TE | Hip | DNP | LP | DNP | Doubtful |
| Jeremy Chinn | SAF | Quadriceps | LP | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Yetur Gross-Matos | LB | Hamstring | LP | LP | LP | Questionable |
| Jaycee Horn | CB | Hamstring | LP | LP | LP | Questionable |
| DJ Johnson | LB | Elbow | LP | LP | FP | Questionable |
| Cade Mays | G | Ankle | LP | LP | FP | |
| C.J. Henderson | CB | Concussion | FP | FP | FP | |
| Nash Jensen | G | Back | LP | LP | Questionable | |
| Jonathan Mingo | WR | Achilles | LP | FP | ||
| Xavier Woods | FS | Thigh | LP | FP | ||
| Troy Hill | CB | Hip | LP | Questionable |
Although the Panthers are relatively healthy, the Bucs have a lengthy injury list. Tampa Bay ruled out four players — Lavonte David, Jamel Dean, Mike Greene and Devin White. Quarterback Baker Mayfield also was on the injury list because of a bad ankle. But he was a full participant in all three practices.
Tampa Bay injury list
| Player | Position | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavonte David | OLB | Groin | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Carlton Davis | CB | Ankle | LP | FP | FP | |
| Jamel Dean | DB | Ankle/Foot | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| SirVocea Dennis | LB | Illness | DNP | DNP | DNP | Doubtful |
| YaYa Diaby | LB | Ankle | LP | LP | FP | |
| Mike Greene | DT | Calf | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Baker Mayfield | QB | Ankle | FP | FP | FP | |
| Devin White | LB | Foot | LP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| Chris Godwin | WR | Neck | (-) | LP | DNP | Questionable |
| Dee Delaney | DB | Personal | (-) | (-) | DNP |
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