The Carolina Panthers will not have outside linebacker DJ Johnson in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons after he was involved in a car accident.
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Head coach Dave Canales provided the update during a press session. Johnson was a Friday addition to the injury report, which said that he did not practice due to a personal reason. The injury report listed Johnson as Out for Sunday's game.
"We kind of gathered information over really the last night, morning, and it was a car accident," Canales said during his media session. "That's pretty much what I know about it. But enough to the point where he's in evaluation right now."
Canales said that he had not seen Johnson yet, but he clarified that this was not a life-threatening accident.
Johnson was a third-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 14 games this season while starting two.
Johnson has registered a half sack, one pass defensed, a fumble recovery, and 44 total tackles. These stats all surpass what he achieved as a rookie defender last season.
The former University of Oregon linebacker is not the only player the Panthers have already ruled out for the regular-season finale against the Falcons. Four other players have this designation as of Friday afternoon.
Linebacker Josey Jewell will miss the division game due to a concussion. Outside linebacker Amaré Barno will miss the game due to a shoulder injury. Safety Lonnie Johnson will be out with a shoulder/neck injury.
Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn is the other player currently listed as Out for Sunday's game. He will miss the NFC South matchup while dealing with a hip injury.
The Panthers have listed multiple players as questionable for Week 18. This includes Robert Hunt, Jadeveon Clowney, A'Shawn Robinson, Xavier Legette, Taylor Moton, and Miles Sanders.
