Black and Blue Review
Guard Trai Turner remains out with a groin injury, but he’s on schedule to play in the regular season opener.
“I honestly think I’ll be fine. I should be back at practice very soon to get ready to play Tampa,” Turner said Monday.
Chris Scott has been playing right guard in Turner’s absence, but the rookie should jump right back in when he returns. A third-round pick in May’s draft, Turner hasn’t practiced since tweaking his groin against the Chiefs on Aug. 17.
“I don’t know how it happened; I don’t even know exactly when it happened,” Turner said. “I just know it was in the first half of the Kansas City game, played through it a little bit, and it ended up blowing up on me the next day.”
Other Notes From Monday
Like Turner, defensive ends Charles Johnson (hamstring) and Greg Hardy (shoulder) won’t play in Thursday’s preseason finale, but they’re expected back in time for Week 1.
Johnson and Hardy ran through some light drills early in practice and during the portion that was closed to the media.
“From what I saw, I feel pretty confident and comfortable they’ll be ready to go once we get started next week,” head coach Ron Rivera said.
The Panthers closed a portion of practice to the media Sunday and Monday as they started getting ready for the Bucs game.
Those preparations included Cam Newton, whose condition appeared slightly improved. The hairline fracture in his rib will keep him off the field for a few more days, but the Panthers are planning to have their starting quarterback in Tampa Bay.
“He’s with the coordinator, he’s with the quarterback coach and they’re talking about what we’re looking at and why we’re looking at it,” Rivera said.
Left tackle Byron Bell practiced after sitting out Sunday with a cold and migraine.
Safety Robert Lester, who sprained an ankle Friday against the Patriots, had a protective guard on his right foot while he watched practice.
Linebacker Thomas Davis took a well-deserved day off.
QB Matt Blanchard (concussion), RB Darrin Reaves (knee), TE D.C. Jefferson (leg), and C Kevin Matthews (knee) remained out.