National Football League

Godfrey among 3 Panthers DBs hurt in loss to Bills

Published Sep. 16, 2013 12:35 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Carolina Panthers' already young and inexperienced defensive secondary is suddenly being hit by injuries.

Starting safety Charles Godfrey hurt his right Achilles tendon, and starting cornerback Josh Thomas sustained a concussion in a 24-23 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Starting safety Quintin Mikell also didn't return after hurting his right ankle in the second half.

Coach Ron Rivera called Godrey's injury the most severe. Godfrey was spotted after the game on crutches and his foot in a protective boot.

As for Thomas, Rivera would only say the player will be evaluated through the week under the NFL's concussion protocol.

Rivera had no update on Mikell.

It was a costly series of injuries which contributed to the Panthers (0-2) allowing Bills rookie quarterback EJ Manuel to cap an 80-play drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Stevie Johnson with 2 seconds left.

Godfrey was carted off early in the third quarter when he broke up a pass to Johnson into the end zone. After tumbling into sideline, Godfrey got up and took a few steps before sitting down on the field.

After being evaluated by team trainers, Godfrey needed help to get up and was unable to put any weight on his right foot as he was loaded into the cart.

Thomas was hurt early in the second quarter when he went up the left sideline and led with his helmet in tackling Woods. Thomas was on the field for a few moments, but was able to get up on his own. He went to the Panthers sideline before being escorted to the locker room.

Thomas' backup, Josh Norman, also missed a couple of series after hurting his right thigh in the third quarter. Norman did return.

The Panthers host the New York Giants next week.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org