Black and Blue Review
The Panthers entered 2014 with an embarrassment of riches at defensive end. But after just a few weeks, their treasure chest at the position is nearly empty.
Only three ends practiced on Wednesday and Thursday, and the Panthers may have to use defensive tackles and a linebacker as reinforcements Sunday against the Bears.
So where have all the defensive ends gone?
NOT ON 53-MAN ROSTER
Greg Hardy:
In NFL limbo. The 2013 Pro Bowler, who is awaiting a jury trial on domestic violence charges, was put on the NFL’s exempt list in Week 3. A potential date for his return is unknown.
Frank Alexander:
Was suspended the first four games of the year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Was reinstated Monday. Was suspended Wednesday for 10 more games.
Not much is known about Alexander’s second offense. In a statement he made through the NFLPA, he claimed it happened “many months ago.”
Just like he had been doing, Alexander is allowed to work out at team facilities until he’s eligible to return in the middle of December. “We’re not tossing him aside. Frank will continue to be doing what he’s been doing,” head coach Ron Rivera said.
STATUS FOR SUNDAY UNKNOWN
Charles Johnson:
The team’s highest-paid player has been battling injuries this year, and he hasn’t practiced this week. After suffering a hamstring pull in training camp, Johnson fought through a hip flexor in Week 4. After racking up 44 sacks the last four years, he does not have a sack this season.
Johnson declined to comment on his status while limping to the trainer’s room on Thursday. Rivera said he expects Johnson to return for the team’s Friday walk-through.
THE REMAINING THREE
Wes Horton:
In three starts, he has six tackles and no sacks.
Mario Addison:
He’s already matched his previous career total with 3.5 sacks, but those all came in the fourth quarter of the Lions game in Week 2 and the first quarter of the Steelers game in Week 3.
Kony Ealy:
The second-round picks has two tackles and no sacks in 124 snaps.
THE REINFORCEMENTS
DT Kawann Short:
The Panthers thought Short was the best interior pass rusher in the 2013 draft. Could be interesting to see what he can do lined up outside.
DT Star Lotulelei:
Not as good as a pass rusher as Short, but if he does play some end, he has at least one believer.
“I think he’ll kill it, man,” Addison said. “Anything you throw in front of Star, he’ll perfect it. He’ll learn it, he’ll study it, and he’ll kill it. He can play anywhere on the field.”
DT Dwan Edwards:
Had 3.5 sacks as a 3-4 end from 2010-11 in Buffalo. Had 11.5 sacks in his three seasons with the Panthers.
LB Jason Williams:
Has eight tackles in his last three seasons in Carolina, but seven of those came on special teams. Rivera said the 6-1 Williams could be a starting outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense if he were taller.