Panthers kicker leaves field with injury during warmups
The hits are coming for the Panthers before the game even begins. During pregame warmups, disaster struck Carolina regarding their kicker Zane Gonzalez.
According to Panthers beat reporter Joe Person, their kicker left the field in bad shape during warmups.
“Zane Gonzalez is being helped off the field,” tweeted Person. “This is not good.”
Furthermore, Person added that Gonzalez looked to injure a part of your body pretty important to his position — his leg.
“Looked to be a leg injury,” revealed Person. “Went straight into the locker room with JJ Jansen and training staff.”
In an unforeseen turn of events, it remains to be seen who the Panthers will be forced to turn to. However, Person reveals that potential kicks could come from an unexpected source after the injury to Gonzalez.
“FWIW: P.J. Walker kicked in high school and the Panthers had his take some kicks at practice last season,” added Person.
Nothing like the quarterback-kicker combination. Matt Rhule has always been a huge fan of quarterback P.J. Walker, coaching him in college with the Temple Owls and giving him his second shot at the NFL. Now, he may give him a shot at a different position — one that Walker certainly never expected to play for real in a game.
The Panthers are clinging to their playoff chances for dear life. An already tough task against the Buffalo Bills laid ahead on Sunday. Now, another wrench is being thrown in their game-plans.
Update: According to ESPN’s David Newton, punter Lachlan Edwards is now practicing kickoffs. Additionally, multiple position players are practicing their kicks off a tee, as well.
“Panthers special teams players minus Zane Gonzalez gathered on the field. Looks like P Lachlan Edwards is practicing kickoffs, at least on-sides,” tweeted Newton. “WR Brandon Zylstra has a kicking tee. This is gonna be interesting. LB Frankie Luvu and RB Reggie Bonnafon also practicing kicking off.”
Panthers Inactives vs. Bills
The Carolina Panthers have revealed their list of inactive players for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. While the Panthers see some players avoid the inactive list, there are a few important contributors that will miss Sunday’s game.
- CB A.J. Bouye
- WR Shi Smith
- LB Kamal Martin
- OL Deonte Brown
- OL Trent Scott
- DE Darryl Johnson.