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Illness means Panthers could be thin on the defensive line

Greg Hardy

Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) sits on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

AP

The Panthers could be thin up front when they face the Saints tomorrow, after a bug made its way through the locker room.

Defensive end Greg Hardy and defensive tackle Frank Kearse were added to the injury report as questionable Saturday with illnesses, according to Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer.

Hardy was listed as probable Friday, but coach Ron Rivera said he was “changing colors” earlier in the week, and was sent home.

Defensive end Charles Johnson was hit with the same illness this week but has recovered.

Hardy was a 16-game starter last season, but was replaced in the starting lineup by Antwan Applewhite last week. Of course, Hardy played 54 snaps to Applewhite’s 18 against the Bucs, so it’s unclear why the switch was made. Kearse was the third defensive tackle last week.