Injuries dominate the list on Thursday night

CHICAGO — The Panthers are starting to see some of their players return from injuries, but they still have a few to contend with, so finalizing the inactive list for Thursday night was a straightforward task.

With four players ruled out early, the identification of the six non-uniformed players this week wasn’t much of a surprise.

In addition to outside linebacker Brian Burns (concussion), cornerback CJ Henderson (concussion), tight end Stephen Sullivan (shoulder), and wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (ankle), the Panthers are also missing wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. (elbow), who was listed as doubtful this week. Rookie offensive lineman Nash Jensen is the only healthy scratch for tonight’s game.

Here are a few things to note about the lineup.

On a positive note, the starting safeties, Vonn Bell and Xavier Woods, are back together for the first time since Week 3, as they are expected to start together again.

Both were questionable this week.

At outside linebacker, DJ Johnson and Amaré Barno are expected to start, while Dicaprio Bootle is expected to start at cornerback for Henderson and Terrace Marshall Jr. at wide receiver for Chark.

To add depth, the Panthers have elevated Eku Leota and wide receiver Mike Strachan from the practice squad. This is Leota’s third standard elevation, which means he’d need to be added to the 53-man roster if they need him after tonight.

The Bears will be without quarterback Justin Fields once again, so Tyson Bagent will start at quarterback.

PANTHERS INACTIVES
OLB Brian Burns
WR Laviska Shenault Jr.
WR DJ Chark
CB CJ Henderson
G Nash Jensen
TE Stephen Sullivan