CHARLOTTE — The Panthers were running short on wide receivers Wednesday, with just three healthy among the ones on the 53-man active roster.
Rookie Terrace Marshall Jr. and punt returner Alex Erickson were both held out of Wednesday's practice after suffering concussions in last week's game against the Vikings.
That left just starters DJ Moore and Robby Anderson, and rookie Shi Smith on the 53. They placed receiver/special teams standout Brandon Zylstra on injured reserve Tuesday.
They have four receivers on the practice squad they could elevate this week if they need to — Keith Kirkwood, Aaron Parker, C.J. Saunders, and Matt Cole. Parker was one of the four practice squad players they protected for Week 7, meaning no other team can sign him away.
The Panthers also held linebacker Shaq Thompson (foot) and fullback Giovanni Ricci (concussion) out Wednesday.
Thompson has missed the last two games and there was some consideration that this week was in play for his return.
Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said it was "very doubtful" that Thompson would return for the Giants game.
Outside linebacker Frankie Luvu (biceps) was limited in Wednesday's practice. He was wearing a green jersey in Wednesday's practice, along with a large brace on his right arm.
Cornerback CJ Henderson (shoulder) was listed as a full participant, after he missed last week's game.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore took part in his first practice with the team since the Oct.6 trade that brought him here from New England. He's on the reserve/physically unable to perform list and hasn't been activated yet, but could be at any point this week.
Guard Pat Elflein was not on the field Wednesday. He has been designated to return from injured reserve after missing the previous four games with a hamstring injury, but hasn't been activated yet. The started the 21-day clock to activate him last week, but like Gilmore, isn't on the active roster yet.
Rhule said it was unlikely Elflein would be ready this week, after a minor setback, saying he felt something in the weight room this week that pushed pause on his comeback. That likely opens the door for Michael Jordan to remain in the lineup, after he played well in the run game last week after replacing Dennis Daley.
