Injuries
For the Cardinals, they have only one player ruled out as of Friday. Offensive lineman Lamont Gaillard did not practice all week and will not play Sunday.
Three other Cardinals have been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard, cornerback Chris Jones, and linebacker Ezekiel Turner are all facing the possibility of not playing. Bullard and Turner did not practice all week.
As for the Panthers they have four players listed out on Sunday. In addition to Newton, also out are linebacker Bruce Irvin, tackle Brandon Greene, and safety Rashaan Gaulden.
Tight end Greg Olsen is questionable but he was a full participant in practice both Thursday and Friday. Expect Olsen to play on Sunday. Defensive end Kawann Short was also listed questionable and did not practice all week.
Prediction
Just because the Panthers will be going with the second-year Allen as their starter on Sunday should not immediately discredit the Panthers chances. However it should give the Cardinals a better chance to come out on top.
The Panthers defense is still very formidable. They have a healthy linebacker in Luke Kuechly. The offense still has running back Christian McCaffrey. Enough said about that.
Still, with a home crowd and coming so close the first two weeks, look for the Cardinals to pull this one out. Cardinals 27 Panthers 21