National Football League

Panthers DE Johnson carted off field early with ankle injury

Published Aug. 9, 2015 6:14 p.m. ET

foxsports

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson was carted off the practice field with a left ankle injury.

Coach Ron Rivera didn't know the specifics, but said Sunday that he doesn't believe the injury is serious. Rivera says ''until they get a chance to take a look I really couldn't tell you what it was.''

Johnson is the team's top pass rusher and a key cog in a defense that has finished in the top 10 in each of the past three seasons. The 29-year-old Johnson has 62 1/2 sacks during his eight seasons with the Panthers, including at least 8 1/2 sacks in each of the past five seasons.

Defensive tackle Kawann Short returned to practice after missing the past week with a sore back.