CHARLOTTE — Panthers head coach Matt Rhule praised the toughness of wideout DJ Moore, but said his leading receiver would likely be considered "day-to-day" with a hamstring injury suffered in Sunday's loss to the Falcons.
Moore was evaluated on the sidelines during the game, but said he wanted to continue.
Moore leads the team with 72 catches for 938 yards and four touchdowns, and is on pace for career-best numbers.
Rhule also mentioned defensive end Brian Burns playing through an ankle injury and Robby Anderson coming back into the game after taking a hard shot as evidence the team hasn't given up.
"We have tough guys," Rhule said Monday. "I think when you see a guy like Robby get hit the way he got hit and comes back in the game, when Brian Burns goes down early with a sprained ankle and goes back in the game.
"When DJ pulls his hamstring and they say he's out, and he says 'No, I'm playing,' and goes back in the game, . . . I have no issue with our guys' effort and toughness."
— Rhule did not seem particularly displeased with the play of the offensive line, which started its ninth unique combination of blockers in 13 games.
Rookie Brady Christensen got his first start at right guard (he's started two games at tackle this year), and the early indications weren't bad. Left tackle Cameron Erving had to leave the game briefly with an injury but returned. Rhule said there was a chance that left guard Michael Jordan (hamstring) could return this week, and that there was a chance right guard John Miller (ankle) could return as well.
"I thought the offensive line play was good enough," Rhule said. "I thought with Brady stepping in for the first time (at guard), he played OK I thought. . . .
"We'll have to wait and see how it plays out. Some guys came out of that game banged up. So I think we'll have to get to Wednesday and see how Cam's feeling, how Michael's feeling, and put the best five out there."
Rookie Deonte Brown also got his first snap on offense.
— Outside linebacker and special teamer Frankie Luvu was cleared from the league's reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, but Rhule said he didn't clear a final test Sunday morning, which would have allowed him to play.
Rhule did say he was hopeful that Luvu would be fully cleared this week.
