Panthers injury report lists big names as non-participants on Wednesday before Packers matchup

Panthers linebacker Brian Burns scowls during week 15 matchup with Falcons

Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro made headlines this week after being selected NFC Special Teams player of the week after going 3-for-3 against the Falcons in Week-15. Pineiro kicked the game-winning field goal in the Carolina Panthers 9-7 win over Atlanta to give the team their first win since interim head coach Chris Tabor took over the top spot and their second of the season. But interim head Chris tabor is cautious not to get too excited about the singular event. "You're only as good as you next kick so we'll stay with those parameters," Tabor said.

Tabor expounded humorously that he wasn't dismissing the accomplishment but reminded reporters of a previous event that didn't work out in the team's favor.

"I remember last year when he missed the Atlanta (field goal attempt). We kept talking about the Atlanta after he had made so many kicks so that's why I just wanted to emphasize you're only as good as your next kick."

But the big picture item on Tabor's list is how the offense can put more points on the board to increase the team's chances of wins with the remainder of the schedule. "There's no question we gotta get the ball in the end zone. You're not gonna win a lot of games kicking field goals," Tabor said.

The Panthers were busy this week with transactions - releasing outside linebacker Justin Houston on Tuesday. They've also released quarterback Jake Luton from the practice squad and signed offensive tackle Badara Traore to that unit. Traore's signing fills a practice squad spot left after Chris Wormley was promoted to the 53-man active roster.

The 6'-7'' former LSU Tiger came into league as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has had stints with Chicago, Jacksonville and Arizona.

And in other transactions, the team has designated linebacker Claudin Cherelus to return from injured reserve since suffering a knee injury in early November.

There were five players the did not participate in practice on Wednesday added to the Panthers injury report. Brian Burns missed due to illness while cornerback Troy Hill and offensive lineman Taylor Moton took rest days. That list also included Ytor Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes. And seven other players were listed as limited, including starters Adam Thielen, Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Xavier Woods and Sam Franklin Jr.

The Panthers host the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. Kickoff begins at 1:00 p.m. EST at Bank of America stadium.