Eddy Piniero is Inching Closer to a Return

The Carolina Panthers have been without their kicker Eddy Pineiro (groin) through the first two preseason games, but he could make his 2023 debut on Friday against the Detroit Lions. 

Pineiro has made a lot of progress since suffering the injury a couple of weeks ago in Spartanburg and head coach Frank Reich believes he'll be able to suit up for the Week 1 matchup in Atlanta.

"I do think he'll be ready for the season. There's a small chance he'll get a rep or two this week. We might work him back into practice a little bit, but we're not going to overdo it. If he does play in this game, it'll be limited opportunities, probably shorter stuff and then just wait until the regular season for kickoffs and stuff."

Carolina brought in Matthew Wright to fill in his place, but Reich has made it very clear that there is no competition. Pineiro is their guy.