Frankie Luvu questionable to return after injury, Xavier Woods downgraded to out for Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are dealing with more injuries during Sunday’s Week 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Linebacker Frankie Luvu and safety Xavier Woods both headed to the sidelines because of problems during the contest.
Per Joe Person of The Athletic, Woods has been downgraded to “out” because of a hamstring injury. Luvu is questionable to return because of a hamstring injury.
Carolina entered Sunday’s game with an 0-2 record, searching for their first win of the season. Seattle had a 1-1 record.
The Panthers are also playing Sunday’s game without rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall selection Bryce Young. Carolina started veteran Andy Dalton in his place.
Young suffered an ankle injury in Carolina’s Week 2 loss to New Orleans. The team didn’t want to risk further injury and decided to keep the rookie sidelined for this weekend’s contest.
Woods is in his second season with the Panthers, joining the team in 2022. He previously played with the Dallas Cowboys (2017-20) and Minnesota Vikings (2021).
Luvu started his tenure with the Panthers in 2021. Prior to his arrival in Carolina, he had a three-year run with the New York Jets (2018-20).
Panthers offense prepared for Seattle crowd all week
Carolina knew it had its work cut out for it this weekend in Seattle. Getting the first win of the season wasn’t going to be an easy task against the Seahawks.
Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown said that one of the biggest concerns comes from crowd noise. So, during this week’s practice, there’s been an extra emphasis on that aspect of the game.
“One of the keys for success for us as a team, but also offensively, is going to be (to) handle the noise,” Brown said, per the team’s website. “For us, that means two reasons, right? One (is) being on the field when it comes to our communication, our operation, from a nonverbal standpoint with the noise when we can’t hear. But also the noise outside the building. …
“Just being able to be focused, continue to stay on the same path, be committed to our process and our approach. Excited for a new opportunity.”
Carolina started the season 0-2, losing to a pair of division rivals. The Panthers dropped their season opener to the Atlanta Falcons, 24-10. Last weekend, the New Orleans Saints recorded a 20-17 victory.