Team news: Carolina Panthers | Page 1

Diontae Johnson popped up today as a DNP with a hamstring injury. That's not good news.

Related Players: George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin III

Upsetting news, so fresh off the IR. Pickens began to pop when Johnson was away from the field, but there's an argument to be made that Johnson could help Pickens truly hit some upside potential down field with both playing. Robinson and Austin are nominally interesting in deep leagues for desperate owners.

The Steelers activated WR Diontae Johnson from injured reserve and placed TE Pat Freiermuth on injured reserve.

Johnson is now able to play Sunday against the Rams. Freiermuth, on the other hand, is now out at least four games after aggravating his hamstring injury Thursday. Freiermuth will at miss games against the Rams, Jaguars, Titans and Packers. The Steelers are coming off their bye week. Johnson is a flex option in a tough matchup against the Rams and gives Kenny Pickett another weapon back. He’s a mid-tier QB2.

Panthers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. has received permission to seek a trade, per sources. Carolina has discussed the matter with agent Vince Taylor as the player seeks a more prominent role. He’s welcome back if no trade found.

Former second-round pick has 104 catches, 742 yards and one touchdown since 2021.

Marshall was likely riding a high after receiving 17 targets combine in Weeks 3-4, but ran only 15 routes and caught neither of his targets coming out of the team's bye. If Marshall was dropped in any deep(er) dynasty leagues, this would be a good time to check the waivers.

The Steelers returned from their bye week by welcoming a couple of players back to practice.

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson and running back Anthony McFarland have both been designated to return from injured reserve. Both players can practice with the team for the next 21 days before they reach a deadline to be activated or shut down for the season.

As we reported last week, Johnson doesn’t plan to use much of that window to get back into playing shape after hurting his hamstring in the season opener. He said he plans to play against the Rams in Week 7, the story said. Johnson seemed pretty confident last week but continue to monitor his status this week.

Panthers ruled out RB Miles Sanders for Sunday’s game vs. the Dolphins due to his shoulder injury.

Related Players: Chuba Hubbard, Raheem Blackshear, Laviska Shenault

Sanders has once again been one of the least-efficient backs in the league, while Hubbard has looked above-average on his limited touches. The latter should be considered an RB2 while the veteran misses time.

Pittsburgh receiver Diontae Johnson has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Week 1. But he’s planning to return when the Steelers take on the Rams after the bye.

“Hell yeah, I’m coming back,” Johnson said Tuesday, via Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “I have been working my behind off these last three, four weeks. … Today was one of those days to see how far I have come along, and everything looks great out there to [the training staff]."

Johnson caught three passes for 48 yards in the season opener before going down with the hamstring injury. He’s been on injured reserve but can be designated to return for the Week 7 matchup, the story said. He added that, “I felt completely great and healthy, so I am ready for Monday when we come back to start getting back to work.”

Panthers QB Bryce Young was a full participant with his ankle injury, and he’s off the injury report. Good to go. Meanwhile, RB Miles Sanders (groin) is questionable.

Related Players: Chuba Hubbard, Raheem Blackshear

Chuba Hubbard has actually been quite productive with limited touches so far this season, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and 5.0 yards created after contact per attempt. Compare those numbers to Sanders' respective 3.4 and 2.22 marks through three weeks. Hubbard would make an interesting RB2 candidate if Sanders is forced to miss a week.

Panthers QB Bryce Young (ankle) is off the injury report and is good to go Sunday vs. the Vikings.

Related Players: Andy Dalton

The prevailing sentiment was that the Panthers would give Young a little more time to recover after veteran Andy Dalton eclipsed his two-game yardage total in one fell swoop, but it looks as if they are going to get the rookie back out there. He should not be started in any but the deepest Superflex fantasy leagues.

Panthers QB Bryce Young was a full participant in practice today, a good sign he’s ready to return to the field despite an ankle injury.

Related Players: Andy Dalton

The prevailing sentiment was that the Panthers would give Young a little more time to recover after veteran Andy Dalton eclipsed his two-game yardage total in one fell swoop, but it looks as if they are going to get the rookie back out there. He should not be started in any but the deepest Superflex fantasy leagues.

HC Frank Reich announced that QB Bryce Young (ankle) will practice today. Young missed Week 3 due to an ankle injury.

Related Players: Andy Dalton

Bad news for fellow sickos who were considering paying way down for Andy Dalton in DFS matchups. The prevailing thought was that the team would ease Young back from his injury after he looked absolutely overwhelmed on an NFL field through two weeks of the season, but here we are. If he is cleared to play, keep him on your fantasy benches.