by Niles Carpenter/Saints Contributor
As anticipation builds for the Week 2 showdown between the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football during the 2023 NFL season, the injury report has taken center stage. Both teams are closely monitoring the health of key players, and the latest updates provide valuable insights into who might take the field in this critical NFC South battle.
New Orleans Saints Injury Report:
S J.T. Gray (Shoulder) – Limited Participation (LP) on Thursday and Friday: Safety J.T. Gray continues to nurse a shoulder injury, but the good news for the Saints is that he maintained limited participation in practice on both Thursday and Friday. Gray’s progress indicates that he is making strides towards being available for Monday’s game. His presence in the secondary can be pivotal for the Saints’ defensive scheme.
RB Kendre Miller (Hamstring) – Limited Participation (LP) on Thursday and Friday: Running back Kendre Miller, dealing with a hamstring issue, also logged limited participation in practice on both days. The coaching staff’s cautious approach suggests that they are taking no chances with Miller’s recovery. His status will be monitored closely leading up to game day.
T Ryan Ramczyk (Rest) – Limited Participation (LP) on Thursday, Full Participation (FP) on Friday: Offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who received rest on Thursday, returned to full participation on Friday. This development is a positive sign for the Saints, as it indicates that their star lineman is ready to anchor the offensive line against the Panthers.
TE Jimmy Graham (Rest) – Limited Participation (LP) on Thursday, Full Participation (FP) on Friday: Veteran tight end Jimmy Graham, also rested on Thursday, returned to full participation on Friday. Graham’s experience and reliability as a pass-catching tight end make his availability a significant boost for the Saints’ offense.
TE Juwan Johnson (Calf) – Limited Participation (LP) on Thursday, Full Participation (FP) on Friday: Tight end Juwan Johnson, nursing a calf injury, showcased his commitment to recovery by going from limited participation on Thursday to full participation on Friday. His potential return to full strength adds depth to the Saints’ receiving corps.
Carolina Panthers Injury Report:
Please note that Friday’s report from the Carolina Panthers is an estimation due to a team walkthrough.
CB Jaycee Horn (Hamstring) – Did Not Participate (DNP) on Thursday and Friday: Cornerback Jaycee Horn’s hamstring injury continues to keep him sidelined as he did not participate in practice on either Thursday or Friday. His absence would be a significant blow to the Panthers’ secondary.
WR D.J. Chark (Hamstring) – Limited Participation (LP) on Thursday and Friday: Wide receiver D.J. Chark, who is nursing a hamstring injury, maintained limited participation in practice on both days. Chark’s availability remains uncertain for Monday night.
T Taylor Moton (Biceps) – Limited Participation (LP) on Thursday and Friday: Offensive tackle Taylor Moton, dealing with a biceps injury, logged limited participation in practice on both Thursday and Friday. His presence is crucial for the Panthers’ offensive line, and his status will be closely monitored.
As the clock ticks down to Monday Night Football, both the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers will continue to assess the status of their injured players. Injuries have the potential to shape the outcome of any NFL contest, and the availability of key contributors could be a deciding factor in this pivotal NFC South clash.