Carolina Panthers: Injury Report for Week 5 against New York Giants

In terms of health, the Carolina Panthers should be happy where they are coming off their bye week and ahead of Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.

Most teams don’t like to have a bye week this early in the season but it is something that the Carolina Panthers certainly benefited from. The team only has two players on their injury report for Week 5 with tight end Greg Olsen ruled out and linebacker Jared Norris, who was added to the report on Friday, is questionable.

The news that Olsen has been ruled out should not be a surprise considering he is only a month removed from breaking his foot. The injury occurred the first week of the season against the Dallas Cowboys and was the same foot he broke last year. The recovery time was nine games however he seemed optimistic this time around.

That optimism is surely validated by the fact that he was able to practice on a limited basis Thursday and Friday. Even better than him able to get some practice in on two days was the fact he was able to do it on consecutive days.

The Panthers are likely to be cautious with the tight end but it would not be surprising to see him active next week against the Washington Redskins.

That was the only good news as the Panthers will be welcoming back two key players on this offense. Right guard Trai Turner missed the past two games due to a concussion but was able to practice in full every day this week and will be a boost for an offensive line that has actually played well in his absence.

The other big addition will be wide receiver Curtis Samuel, who has missed every game this season due to a medical procedure. The second-year player will likely have more of an impact on the return game than on the offense, at least in the early going. However, Norv Turner should have a few specific plays that can utilize Samuel’s speed.

For the full injury report for the Carolina Panthers, click here.