Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano is expected to miss the team's Week 14 clash against the Cleveland Browns due to injury. Gano has been dealing with a left knee issue that will likely sideline him this week, and for a kicker, those types of injuries simply aren't ideal. The nine-year veteran has made 14 of 16 field goals and 30 of 33 extra points this season.
With him sidelined, Carolina has gone the route of signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chandler Catanzaro, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Graham Gano won’t kick for the #Panthers this week, I’m told. But doesn’t sound like a long-term injury. https://t.co/HeiMf0CFxh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 7, 2018
Gano's injury adds to what has been a challenging month or so for the Panthers, who have lost four straight games and will need a strong finish to secure a playoff spot.
Ron Rivera's squad ranked as one of the best teams in the NFL about a month ago, as Carolina jumped out to a 6-2 start. However, things haven't been the same since the 52-21 shellacking in Pittsburgh, and that's put Cam Newton and company on the outside looking in when it comes to making the postseason.
With the remaining schedule featuring two games against the New Orleans Saints and one against the Atlanta Falcons, this week's game in Cleveland is essentially a must-win for the Panthers.
But with Newton still dealing with a shoulder injury and Gano out of action due to the knee injury, it puts the Panthers in yet another tough spot as they prepare for a Browns team that has shown significant progress throughout the season.
Cleveland is 4-7-1 on the year but has won two of its last three games.
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