CHARLOTTE -- Veteran LB/DE Bruce Irvin (hamstring) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams.
Rookie offensive tackle Greg Little (concussion) has also been ruled out. Neither Irvin nor Little practiced this week.
First-round pick Brian Burns is the obvious candidate to start against the Rams in place of Irvin, but Rivera wasn't willing to be pinned down when he spoke with reporters Friday.
"Quite honestly, not sure which personnel group we can expect from these guys," Rivera said. "To sit here and tell you who is going to start? Couldn't do it... We'll have to react to what (the Rams offense) wants to do."
Guard Trai Turner, who was limited with a groin injury on Thursday, is no longer listed on the injury report.