Here’s how this week’s injury report (and other stuff) affects our picks.
The Carolina Panthers were on a torpedo to the bottom of the league’s standings, and perhaps all of the league’s history of terrible teams after two weeks. They still might continue in that direction, but they made an attempt to change course with a change at quarterback. That decision has already shifted the line by a point and a half in favor of the Panthers. The Panthers’ and Raiders’ respective injury reports should only reinforce that line shift.
Shy Tuttle the only active player to miss practice due to injury
The Panthers are relatively healthy entering the weekend. There was only one DNP due to an injury, and that was Tuttle. A’Shawn Robinson missed Wednesday’s practice with a knee issue, but he was back practicing in a limited fashion on Thursday, which bodes well for his availability on Sunday.
The guards are back to full participation
Guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis were both limited all last week with shoulder and groin injuries respectively. Both were limited again on Wednesday but returned to full participation on Thursday. They should be good to go.
The Raiders fronts are hurting
None of Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, Tyree Wilson, or Divine Deablo have logged a full practice this week. Diablo, who starts at outside linebacker, hasn’t practiced at all. The rest have been limited all week thus far.
On the offensive side, starting guard Dylan Parham and starting left tackle Kolton Miller have been limited by a foot and shoulder issue respectively.
It may just be the Raiders playing coy and conservative with injuries, but I’m sure they’d prefer fully healthy guys heading into the weekend.
The bottom line
The Panthers have seen odds turn in their favor over the course of the week, but that’s probably more because of a non-injury related depth chart change than any injuries. If you’re feeling good about it, you can bet on the Panthers before the line shifts any more.
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