The Carolina Panthers are slated to host the Los Angeles Rams to begin the 2019 NFL season. Unfortunately, it appears they will be somewhat shorthanded in the pass-rushing department.
Outside linebacker Bruce Irvin has been nursing a hamstring injury going into the regular season, and the team officially ruled him out of Sunday's season-opener on Friday.
Here’s the final injury report for Week 1 https://t.co/eKSC6RvXGl
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 6, 2019
The loss of Irvin deals a blow to Carolina's edge rush. The Panthers put an emphasis on shoring up personnel that would better fit their new scheme on defense. The veteran's versatility on the edge certainly made him an ideal fit, however, it appears they will have to rely on their young depth for the time being.
Filling in on the edge for Irvin will likely fall to a combination of Marquis Haynes and Brian Burns. It is safe to say that there is not much experience between the two. Haynes played in just four games during the 2018 campaign. Burns, meanwhile, is still trying to find his footing as a rookie despite a promising preseason.
Both players will certainly have their work cut out for them in the season opener. Los Angeles boasts one of the most high-powered offenses in the league with no shortage of weapons surrounding quarterback Jared Goff. The onus will fall on Haynes and Burns to provide ample pressure on Goff on the edge alongside Mario Addison. Otherwise, the two young players could be in for a rude awakening.
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