WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Carolina Panthers defense must be major catalyst for win against Cards
The Carolina Panthers continued their preparations for their Sunday matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. WHile Baker Mayfield has struggled to usher the offense off to a quicker start in the first three games, the defense has pitched in to speed things up. Sunday's scoop and score touchdown effort by Marquis Haynes is one example.
But the defense, anchored by pass rusher Brian Burns knows there is more work to do before they can consider themselves an elite enough unit to make a season-long impact. "What we practice is what we preach every day," Burns said.
The next quarterback they face will be one of the biggest tests all year. Kyler Murray is not just a guy with a big, accurate arm but has the mobility like none they've faced this season.
INJURY UPDATE
The week 4 injury report includes several familiar names. Although Christian McCaffrey is supposed to off on Wednesdays to rest based on a new protocol from head coach Matt Rhule, he was listed on the injury report this week for a thigh injury and did not participate.
Safety Xavier Woods and receiver-return man Laviska Shenault were both limited and listed as having hamstring issues.
Cornerback Jaycee Horn was limited as well due to a calf issue. And tight end Ian Thomas and Stanley Thomas-Oliver were listed as limited with an ankle and Achilles respectively.
