Placed on IR, designated to return
Etienne (ankle) was placed on injured reserve by the Panthers on Sunday with a designation to return, Darin Gantt of the team's official website reports.
Etienne suffered an ankle injury in Friday's preseason finale versus Houston, and he will now be forced to miss at least four contests while on IR. The running back was expected to operate as a depth option behind Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) and Jonathan Brooks to open the season, so in his absence, AJ Dillon will likely slot in as the No. 3 option. Additionally, Etienne has operated as the team's primary return specialist on both kicks and punts, so Carolina will have to find replacements there for the time being.
More Carolina Panthers Fantasy Football News
Bobby Okereke
Signing with Carolina
Okereke is signing a contract with the Panthers, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.
John Metchie III
Quiet in preseason finale
Metchie caught one of three targets for five yards and returned two kickoffs for 47 yards in Friday's 16-13 preseason win over the Texans.
Jimmy Horn Jr.
Only two touches in final exhibition game
Horn caught his only target for five yards and added six yards on his only carry during Friday's 16-13 preseason win over the Texans.
AJ Dillon
Busy in exhibition finale
Dillon carried the ball six times for 12 yards and caught three of four passes for 20 yards in Friday's 16-13 preseason win over the Texans.
Darren Waller
Not expected to play in preseason finale
Coach Dave Canales indicated that Waller is not expected to suit up for Friday's preseason finale against the Texans, Anthony Rizzuti of USA Today reports.
Xavier Legette
Remains in walking boot
Legette (ankle) will remain in a walking boot on his foot until Thursday, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Possible committee with Hubbard
Coach Dave Canales told reporters Monday that the Panthers will go with a committee Week 1 with Brooks and Chuba Hubbard (hamstring), provided that Hubbard is healthy, per Joe Person of the Athletic.
Chuba Hubbard
Remains on track for Week 1
Hubbard (hamstring) remains on track for Week 1, according to Steve Reed of the Associated Press.
Tommy Tremble
Logs two catches in preseason win
Tremble caught both of his targets for 20 yards during the Panthers' 34-17 win over the Jaguars in Friday's preseason game.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Makes six kicks Friday
Fitzgerald converted two of three field-goal attempts while making all four PATs in Friday night's preseason game against the Jaguars.