Panthers rule out WR DJ Chark for Falcons game

The Atlanta Falcons won’t have their No. 2 cornerback in Week 1, but the Carolina Panthers will be down at least one of their top receivers in Sunday’s season opener.

The Panthers ruled out DJ Chark due to a hamstring injury and listed Adam Thielen (ankle) as questionable on their Friday injury report.

#Panthers WR DJ Chark (hamstring) is out for Sunday’s opener vs. Atlanta. WR Adam Thielen (ankle) is questionable.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 8, 2023

The Falcons have ruled out CB Jeff Okudah, which isn’t a surprise after he missed the entire week of practice. Look for veterans Trey Flowers and Mike Hughes to step in for Okudah this weekend.

Atlanta is listing both Cordarrelle Patterson and KhaDarel Hodge as questionable for Sunday’s game, and likely won’t make a final determination on either player until Sunday morning.

Falcons Wire links:

• Falcons depth chart for Week 1
• Ridley compliments Matt Ryan
• Falcons to wear black uniforms
• Fans predict Falcons’ win total
• Falcons starting lineup
• Patterson embracing “Joker” role