Rookie WR Kealoha Pilares was having a decent preseason for the Carolina Panthers, but his chances of making the roster took a big hit this week.
Pilares suffered a high ankle sprain late in Tuesday’s practice, coach Ron Rivera confirmed on Wednesday.
A high ankle sprain is typically at 4-6 week injury, and that would be a long time for the Panthers to use up a roster spot for an unproven rookie. Don’t be a bit surprised if the Panthers put Pilares on injured reserve Saturday and let this be a redshirt year for the kid from Hawaii.
If Pilares does go on IR it opens up a roster spot for another receiver (or two) like Wallace Wright, David Clowney or Charly Martin.
You have to figure Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, Armanti Edwards and Legedu Naanee are probably locks to make the roster, although if a solid No. 2 receiver comes available Saturday on cut down day things could change. It’s unclear if the Panthers will keep five or six receivers. Wright probably has the edge over the other two because of his special teams ability, but the team really likes Charly hustle. Clowney has made some plays in practice, but none in the games and needs to have a big game against the Steelers.
It will be interesting to see what happens Saturday.
–In other news, Ron Rivera said the starters will play about a series or two against Pittsburgh Thursday night. He’s eager to take a look at the young receivers on the roster as well as the defensive line and the secondary.
–LB Jon Beason, SS Sherrod Martin and FB Tony Fiammetta are out this week, but RT Jeff Otah and DE Greg Hardy will see their first action of the preseason.
–DT Andre Neblett (concussion) will not play against Pittsburgh.
–Last year’s starting RT Garry Williams will run with the first-team offense at right guard Thursday night with Geoff Schwartz (hip) out for the season. Schwartz will need surgery on his hip.
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