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Fantasy Football: Denver Broncos Vs. Carolina Panthers — NFL Injury Update

By Dustin Murrell
Published on: 16:21 PST, Sep 7, 2016

The 2016 NFL season kicks off on Thursday with a rematch of Super Bowl 50, as Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers travel to Denver to face the Broncos. The beginning of the NFL season also means the beginning of one of the fastest-growing pastimes in the United States and abroad: fantasy football.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=201fJNdsICo

If your fantasy football team has anyone from the Denver Broncos or Carolina Panthers, then you need to have your roster set before Thursday evening’s game. Of course, if you’re simply a fan of the Broncos or Panthers, it’s worth noting which players will be missing from both squads. For Week 1, both Denver and Carolina have multiple players who will be missing time due to injuries.

Denver Broncos Injuries

While the Broncos were successful in February’s big game against the Panthers, they will be without legendary quarterback Peyton Manning this year. As noted by ESPN’s NFL injury report, five Denver players are at least questionable for Thursday’s game against Carolina.

Trevor Siemian has big shoes to fill as the Denver Broncos starting quarterback. [Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images]

Denver Defense

The only player on the Denver Broncos defense with an injury concern is Vance Walker, a defensive end who was placed on the injury reserve on September 5. As noted by CBS Sports, defensive back Shiloh Keo is serving a suspension and will miss the first two games of the year. Otherwise, Denver’s defense will be in full force on Thursday.

Denver Offensive Line

If you have Trevor Siemian as your fantasy football quarterback — or you are a part of a league where the offensive line is taken into consideration — it’s worth noting that center James Ferentz and offensive tackle Tyler Sambrallo are both listed as questionable. A couple of Siemian’s potential targets are dealing with injuries as well.

Denver Receivers & Tight Ends

Wide receiver Bennie Fowler is out for Thursday’s game with an elbow injury, as Fowler did not practice on Wednesday. Meanwhile, tight end Jeff Heuerman is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. Fowler wasn’t expected to be a significant contributor in Thursday’s game.

Carolina Panthers Injuries

Nothing can make up for a missed chance at a Super Bowl ring, but the Panthers can gain at least a modicum of revenge on Thursday when they get another shot at the Denver Broncos. However, as noted by the same ESPN injury report, there will be as many as nine players potentially missing the game for Carolina due to injuries.

Carolina Defense

With every status from questionable to injury reserve, a total of eight players from the Panthers defense could be sitting out on Thursday night. Linebackers A.J. Klein and Ben Jacobs are both listed as questionable. Defensive tackle Vernon Butler is listed as questionable due to an injured finger, while Chas Alecxih (also a defensive tackle) is on the injury reserve. Safety Dean Marlowe is listed as doubtful with a hamstring issue. The CBS Sports NFL injury list also includes defensive back Travell Dixon and defensive lineman Larry Webster as questionable for Week 1 for issues dating back to August, as well as defensive back Leonard Johnson, listed as out for Week 1 due to an Achilles injury.

Can the Carolina Panthers defense stop the Denver Broncos on Thursday? [Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images]

Carolina Offensive Line

While it certainly isn’t breaking news, Carolina’s offensive tackle Jordan Rigsbee was placed on the injury reserve on September 3, and guard Chris Scott will be serving a suspension.

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Carolina Receivers & Running Backs

Full back Devon Johnson and wide receiver Kevin Norwood are both listed on the injury reserve. Neither was expected to be a significant contributor this season.

Where To Watch Denver Vs. Carolina

The first game of the 2016 NFL season features the Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers on Thursday, September 8. The game will air live from the Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Coverage begins at 8:30/7:30c on NBC.

[Image via NFL/YouTube]

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