SAN JOSE, Calif. – The Panthers' list of injuries continues to grow as they prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks, with safety Kurt Coleman entering the concussion protocol and missing Wednesday's practice.
"He came in Sunday after the game and talked to (the doctors), so we put him in the protocol," head coach Ron Rivera said.
If Coleman is unavailable, veteran safety Michael Griffin will start alongside Tre Boston at Seattle. Colin Jones is available as a backup, and Rivera said one of the cornerbacks will take reps at safety this week.
Linebacker Luke Kuechly (concussion), wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (shoulder), offensive tackle Daryl Williams (knee) and defensive end Ryan Delaire (knee) also missed Wednesday's practice. Defensive tackle Kawann Short (back) and wide receiver Philly Brown (shoulder) were limited.
The Panthers hoped All-Pro center Ryan Kalil would be able to return this season, but Rivera said his shoulder injury was just too much to overcome, hence Monday's decision to put him on injured reserve.
"It's unfortunate because the guy is a warrior, and you appreciate men like that who will do whatever it takes and try as hard as they can to get back," Rivera said. "He couldn't bounce back from it, as hard as he tried."
