Panthers’ top 2 wide receivers missing at Thursday’s practice

The best thing you do for a rookie quarterback is surround him with weapons. The Carolina Panthers attempted to do this with No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, but their top wide receivers are banged up heading into Sunday’s opener.

The Panthers practiced without both DJ Chark (hamstring) and Adam Thielen (ankle) on Thursday. Chark missed Wednesday’s practice as well, while Thielen was limited.

For the #Panthers, two starting WRs DJ Chark (hamstring) and Adam Thielen (ankle) did not participate in practice today.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2023

It’s still possible for Chark and Thielen to play in Sunday’s game against the Falcons, but it’s not looking good at the moment. On the flip side, it appears Atlanta is getting healthier as we get closer to Week 1.

Cordarrelle Patterson and KhaDarel Hodge each returned on Wednesday, and head coach Arthur Smith says Jeff Okudah is close to returning from an ankle injury.

Tight end Jonnu Smith (rest) missed Wednesday’s practice but was back out there on Thursday. Check out the team’s full Week 1 injury report ahead of Sunday’s game.

Falcons Wire links:

• Falcons depth chart for Week 1
• VOTE: How many for ATL in 2023?
• Falcons starting lineup
• Patterson embracing “Joker” role