Panthers season could go from bad to worse with latest injury report

Carolina already lost starting corner Jaycee Horn (hamstring) in Week 1 to injured reserve. The defense, expected to lead the team as the offense transitioned under rookie Young, is also without linebacker Shaq Thompson (broken leg) for the remainder of the season. 

Fellow linebacker Frankie Luvu (hip) left Week 3’s 37-27 loss at Seattle in the first half and is questionable for Week 4. Cornerback C.J. Henderson (ankle) also left Sunday's game due to injury. 

Carolina (0-3) already faces a mountain in even reaching last year’s 7-10 record. With injuries piling up, nothing suggests the Panthers can go 7-7 over its final 14 games. 

It will be challenging for Carolina to get its first win in Week 4 against the winless Vikings. Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins leads the league with 1,075 passing yards and nine touchdowns. All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson is first among receivers with 458 receiving yards.

Seattle quarterback Geno Smith was 23-of-36 for 296 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the banged-up Panthers defense. Wide receiver DK Metcalf had six receptions for 112 yards.

Carolina's in a perilous state for a team without its 2024 first-round pick. The front office traded that pick to the Chicago Bears to move up to acquire Young, who might miss his second consecutive game with an ankle injury.

The offense has been underwhelming, averaging 18 points per game, 24th in the NFL. Carolina could have used what's likely to be a top-10 pick in next year's draft to infuse the offense with some talent.

The Panthers' brutal injury luck has short-circuited this season. It might be a while before the engine starts again.