The Carolina Panthers will be even thinner at outside linebacker in Week 9.
Four-time Pro Bowler Justin Houston has been ruled out of Sunday’s contest against the Indianapolis Colts due to a hamstring injury. The 34-year-old, who sustained the setback in last weekend’s 15-13 win over the Houston Texans, has played in approximately 41 percent of the defense’s snaps this season—having recorded nine combined tackles and half a sack.
With Brian Burns still dealing with a hyperextended elbow and Yetur Gross-Matos currently on injured reserve due to a hamstring issue of his own, the Panthers will have to dig into their depth at the position once again. Burns, who is a go, could be joined by Amaré Barno as well as rookies DJ Johnson and Eku Leota.
The Panthers, who won’t have wideout Laviska Shenault Jr. or linebacker Claudin Cherelus either, are also likely to be without safety Vonn Bell—who is listed as doubtful. Bell missed the last two games due to a quadriceps injury.
Here’s the final Week 9 injury report:
| Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game status | |
| WR DJ Chark | Elbow | DNP | Limited | Limited | Questionable |
| LB Clauin Cherelus | Knee | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| CB Troy Hill | Illness | DNP | Full | Full | – |
| OLB Justin Houston | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| TE Hayden Hurst | Illness | DNP | Full | Full | – |
| OT Taylor Moton | Knee/rest | DNP | Limited | Full | – |
| WR Laviska Shenault Jr. | Ankle | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| WR Adam Thielen | Rest | DNP | – | – | – |
| S Vonn Bell | Quadriceps | Limited | Limited | Limited | Doubtful |
| OLB Brian Burns | Elbow | Limited | Limited | Full | – |
| G Austin Corbett | Knee | Limited | Limited | Full | – |
| LB Frankie Luvu | Hip | Limited | Limited | Full | – |
| LB Chandler Wooten | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Full | – |
| RB Raheem Blackshear | Groin | Limited | Full | Full | – |
| S Xavier Woods | Abdomen | – | Limited | Full | – |
| G Cade Mays | Ankle | – | Full | Full | – |
| CB Donte Jackson | Quadriceps | – | – | Full | Questionable |
| S Alex Cook | Shoulder | – | – | Full | – |
| RB Miles Sanders | Calf | – | – | Full | – |
