Why Diontae Johnson sat out Panthers practice today, other injury updates for Week 4

Carolina's new number one wide receiver was one of five players who did not participate at practice.

Tim Weaver | 3 Hours Ago

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson #5 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball after completing a catch during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, at Allegiant Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. / (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

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Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers found their new starting quarterback, and they seem to have found their new number one wide receiver at the same time. In Sunday's break-through win over the Las Vegas Raiders Diontae Johnson was targeted 14 times, nearly three times as many as any other Carolina pass-catcher. Johnson caught eight of them, totaling a game-high 122 yards and a touchdown.

Johnson may not be 100% this week, but he is planning to play in Sunday's home game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Today Johnson was one of five players who were listed as non-participants at practice. Johnson has a groin injury but he told reporters afterwards that the field conditions (heavy rain) played into his decision to sit out today and he's good to go.

Diontae Johnson on his status for Week 4

Diontae Johnson said field conditions impacted his decision to sit out. Adds he’s good to go Sunday. pic.twitter.com/mXz2Yq4wA7
— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 26, 2024

Panthers Thursday injury report

As for the rest of today's injury report: cornerback Lonnie Johnson (hip), left guard Damien Lewis (elbow), defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (foot) and right tackle Taylor Moton (rest) also sat out Thursday's session. Defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson (knee) was upgraded to limited after sitting out Wednesday. And safety Nick Scott (quad) was also listed as limited. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney also returned to practice after getting a rest day. Running back Chuba Hubbard (rest) was also a full-go after being limited to start the week. Last but certainly not least, starting quarterback Andy Dalton (ankle) has been a full participant each day so far.

Bengals injury updates

On the other side, Joe Burrow is dealing with a long-term wrist issue, but it doesn't seem to be affecting his game. Heading into Week 4 Burrow has five touchdown passes, no picks and ranks eighth in QBR. Burrow was listed as a full participant today and yesterday. However, defensive tackles B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins, tight end Tanner Hudson, defensive end Trey Hendrickson sat out today's practice, as did right tackle Trent Brown - who is done for the season after suffering a knee injury Monday night.