**Injury Bug Bites Hard: Panthers Lose Key Players Ahead of Bengals Matchup**
The Charlotte-based NFL team has been dealt a significant blow with the loss of two key players to injury. Wide receiver Adam Thielen, 34, has been placed on injured reserve due to a severe hamstring injury, ruling him out for at least the next four games. Safety Jordan Fuller, a starter in all three games this season, has also been sidelined with a groin injury sustained during Sunday’s contest.
Thielen’s injury occurred during a crucial 31-yard touchdown catch in the first half of the team’s 36-22 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran receiver had been enjoying a strong start to the season, with eight catches for 109 yards and a touchdown in the first three games.
In Thielen’s absence, younger receivers Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo are expected to see increased playing time. Legette, a 2024 first-round pick, has eight catches for 77 yards, while Mingo, a 2023 second-round pick, has six receptions for 59 yards.
Fuller’s injury has opened the door for veteran Nick Scott to take his place in the lineup. The safety had 15 tackles this season before being sidelined.
In addition to these roster moves, the team has waived tight end Messiah Swinson and promoted undrafted wide receiver Jalen Coker and safeties Demani Richardson and Russ Yeast from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. The Panthers will look to regroup ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals (0-3) at Bank of America Stadium.
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