CHARLOTTE – Linebacker Jon Beason (knee) and cornerback Chris Gamble (shoulder) likely will not play in Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Neither player has practiced all week and both are listed as doubtful on the injury report.
Rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly or Jason Phillips could potentially replace Beason in the middle. In Gamble's absence, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn would start opposite rookie Josh Norman. In nickel situations, head coach Ron Rivera said Munnerlyn would cover the slot and Josh Thomas would step in at corner.
Guard Geoff Hangartner (knee) is questionable and despite not practicing all week, Rivera hasn't ruled out the possibility of Hangartner playing.
"He was working on the side today," Rivera said. "We'll see how he reacts tomorrow morning. You've got to really test it and find out on Sunday."
Elsewhere on the injury report, defensive end Frank Alexander (back), defensive end Antwan Applewhite (knee) and safety Colin Jones (shoulder) are probable.
Guard Mike Pollak is out with a shoulder injury.
Rivera said defensive tackle Andre Neblett took some reps with the first unit. Neblett is working his way back after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. However, Neblett will not be added to the 53-man roster prior to the Seattle contest.
"His big thing obviously will be getting back into football shape," Rivera said. "The conditioning part, you can never really simulate that, and that will be the hard thing for him. We want to make sure we take advantage of this week and get him ready."
After a three practices following a difficult defeat in Atlanta, Rivera was pleased with how his team's sessions improved throughout the week. He's hoping to see that carry over into their Week 5 performance.
"Practice today had a good tempo. It was upbeat, it was energetic," Rivera said. "Each day got better and better. Wednesday was the toughest day, but today was one of those days you felt really positive about. It's something you can build on and, hopefully, take into Sunday."
