NFC South: Injuries starting to mount around the division

Charles Johnson, DE Carolina Panthers

Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws incomplete after being hit by Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Johnson is a rather unfamiliar name around the NFL, but is very well-known around the NFC South. Johnson recorded 10.5 sacks in 2014 and forced three fumbles. Johnson has 62.5 career sacks and will be a big part of the Panthers’ pass rush in 2015. Johnson was carted off the practice field on August 9th with an apparent ankle injury and has not practiced since.

Rookie Shaq Thompson is also battling through a hamstring injury, but should be fully healed before the season gets underway. The injury bug has hit the Panthers very hard so far and will need to rely on some young players in order to make the 2015 a good one.