Concern About Star Lotuleli’s Status for Seahawks

• Bill Voth
• 1 year ago
• Categories: Divisional Round, News
• Tags: Colin Cole, Dwan Edwards, Panthers, Philly Brown, Ron Rivera, Seahawks, Star Lotulelei

UPDATE, 1:05 ET

Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei was not on the field during the portion of Wednesday’s practice that was open to the media. The reasons for his absence are unclear, but two league sources expressed concern about Lotulelei’s status for Saturday’s Divisional Playoff in Seattle.The second-year player did practice Tuesday, and word started going around Tuesday night that Lotuleli was injured. No one at Wednesday’s practice was able to confirm that, but his absence did not appear to be for personal reasons. Carolina’s injury report is expected to be released around 2:15 when coach Ron Rivera meets with the media.Lotuleli had a slow start to his sophomore season, and an ankle injury in Week 10 forced him to sit out two games. But he’s come on lately, racking up 11 tackles and two sacks in his last two games.Facing Seattle’s top-ranked rushing attack, the Panthers can ill afford to not have Lotuleli’s services, especially since the Seahawks are getting center Max Unger back after he missed six games with an ankle injury. Carolina has good depth on its defensive line, but Dwan Edwards and Colin Cole are big steps down from Lotuleli.Receiver Philly Brown, who suffered a subluxated shoulder in Saturday’s Wild Card win over the Cardinals, was also not practicing Wednesday.