Linebacker Omar Gaither and safety Jordan Pugh are the lone names on the Carolina Panthers' injury report for their game against the Washington Redskins this Sunday. The team lists both players as doubtful; Gaither has a sprained MCL and Pugh has a concussion. Further, neither player participated in practice this week, further casting doubt on their availability against the Redskins.
Gaither, who sat out in the Panthers' 31-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday, has made six tackles and defensed one pass. If he cannot play against Washington, he'll be the third linebaker missing from the lineup: Jon Beason and Thomas Davis have both suffered season-ending injuries, leaving Carolina exceptionally thin at the position.
Pugh, who has played in each of the Panthers' six games, has 10 tackles and one forced fumble. He left the loss to Atlanta in the fourth quarter. He was filling in for Sherrod Martin, who did not play in the second half of that game due to illness. If Pugh cannot play Sunday, coach Ron Rivera said Jermale Hines will serve as Martin's backup.