Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young will not have starting wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen when he returns to the starting lineup on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Johnson has been in trade rumors and was ruled out after missing practice all week due to a rib injury. Thielen has missed the last four games because of a hamstring injury, but he was eligible to play this week.
Rookie Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, and Jalen Coker are expected to take most of the snaps at wide receiver, while the Panthers (1-6) will likely focus on their run game led by Chuba Hubbard.
Quarterback Andy Dalton, who has started the last five games, is doubtful after injuring his right thumb in a car accident on Tuesday. Dalton has not practiced all week and is expected to remain inactive because he cannot grip the football.
Jack Plummer, currently on the practice squad, would likely serve as Carolina’s backup quarterback.
The Panthers have also ruled out safeties Nick Scott (hamstring), Jammie Robinson (knee), and Jordan Fuller (hamstring), along with linebacker D.J. Wonnum (quadriceps) for Sunday.
Rookie running back Jonathan Brooks, a second-round draft pick, is not expected to make his NFL debut as he is listed as doubtful while recovering from an ACL injury he suffered last season at Texas.
Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (back), linebackers Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder) and Josey Jewell (hamstring), tackles Taylor Moton (elbow) and Yosh Nijman (knee), defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson (knee), and safety Sam Franklin (foot) are all listed as questionable.
