It looks like the Panthers will have fewer injury issues to sort out ahead of Thursday night’s game than the Giants.
The Panthers had five players miss practice on Tuesday, with running back Jonathan Stewart and right tackle Byron Bell standing as the biggest names. Stewart is still listed as having a hamstring issue, although he was able to play against the Saints and picked up 68 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in the victory. Bell also played against the Saints, but is nursing an ankle injury right now. It looks like those two, linebacker Thomas Davis, guard Mike Pollak and safety Colin Jones will all be game-time decisions on Thursday.
The outlook for wide receiver Steve Smith is a bit better. Smith was limited in practice on Tuesday because of his knee, but he isn’t one of the players who coach Ron Rivera talks about being uncertain to play on Thursday. Smith should be on the field against the Giants even if he’s limited again on Wednesday.
Linebacker Jon Beason, center Ryan Kalil and wide receiver Kealoha Pilares were also limited during practice. There’s been no indication that either Beason or Kalil will miss the first night game of quarterback Cam Newton’s NFL career.