Panthers' Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen Ruled Out for Sunday's Game

Key Receivers to Miss Crucial Matchup

The Carolina Panthers have been dealt a major blow ahead of their upcoming game, as wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen have both been ruled out due to injuries. Johnson, who leads the team in receptions and receiving yards, is nursing an ankle injury sustained in last week's game. Thielen, meanwhile, has been battling a hamstring issue that has limited his practice time this week.

Impact on Panthers' Offense

The absence of Johnson and Thielen is a significant setback for the Panthers' offense. Johnson has been a reliable target for quarterback Sam Darnold, averaging over 70 receiving yards per game this season. Thielen, a veteran receiver with a knack for making big plays, has also been a valuable contributor. Without these two key players, the Panthers will need to find other receivers to step up.

One potential beneficiary of Johnson and Thielen's absence is Terrace Marshall Jr., who has shown flashes of potential this season. Marshall has averaged over 15 yards per reception in limited action and could be in line for an increased role on Sunday. Shi Smith, who has primarily played in the slot, could also see more targets.

Outlook for Sunday's Game

The Panthers enter Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings as underdogs. The loss of Johnson and Thielen further diminishes their chances of pulling off an upset. However, the Panthers have shown resilience this season, overcoming injuries to key players to win games. They will need to dig deep once again if they want to emerge victorious on Sunday.