After losing veteran wideout Adam Thielen for at least four weeks, one of the last things the Carolina Panthers need right now is another injury to another receiver. So, the team’s top pass catcher ended up playing it safe from Thursday’s not-so-perfect conditions.
Today’s practice was a wet one at the practice fields outside of Bank of America Stadium, as the Panthers were forced to work through a bit of rain on the afternoon. And that was enough keep out Diontae Johnson, who popped up on Thursday’s injury report with a groin issue.
Since Johnson was not included on Wednesday’s injury report, his sudden absence came as quite a surprise. But he’d later tell reporters that his lack of participation was just a precautionary measure and he will be good to go against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
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
The former Pro Bowler is coming off one of the most productive outings of his six-year NFL tenure. Week 3’s 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders saw Johnson rack up eight receptions for a career-high 122 yards and a touchdown.
Carolina’s upset victory also saw Thielen go down with a hamstring injury, one he sustained while reeling in a 31-yard score in the waning seconds of the first half. Thielen was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday.
Luckily, the team expects Johnson—who dealt with a groin strain during the summer—to be back at practice tomorrow.
