Panthers 2021 season opener countdown: 25 days to go
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By: Joseph Czikk
We’re counting down the days until the Panthers kick off the 2021 season.
We’re 25 days away from the Carolina Panthers 2021 season opener, so today’s countdown piece is devoted to No. 25 on the roster — cornerback Troy Pride Jr.
Can you believe football is officially back in just over three weeks?
I’m sure Pride Jr. was as excited as you all, but perhaps that excitement is in jeopardy this week. That’s because the South Carolina native was carted off the field during Sunday’s first preseason game for the Panthers, a 21-18 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Pride appeared to be in pain after a pass interference penalty in the final quarter. A few minutes later, Colts receiver Tyler Vaughns made a one-handed catch over him (pictured above) and Pride Jr. went down awkwardly.
Troy Pride, Jr. is down with what appears to be a painful, potentially significant leg injury.
If indeed it’s long range, it’s heartbreaking the Greer native, considering the work he’s been putting in. Also does no favors for Carolina’s early-season rotation pic.twitter.com/1PlnPN2f1N
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) August 15, 2021
Here’s what the former Greer High School standout looked like after the game:
Just passed Troy Pride Jr. on his way to the #Panthers bus. The former Notre Dame DB was in good spirits, but on crutches & had a brace on his right knee.
Said he’s waiting to get MRI after the team travels. #IrishInTheNFL pic.twitter.com/exYdPQi1mW
— Olivia Ray (@OliviaRayWISH) August 15, 2021
Some were critical in Pride’s performance on Sunday, despite the injury:
Troy Pride Jr. comes back in, gives up another catch and is hurt again.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 15, 2021
Pride Jr. is a second-year player out of Notre Dame who started eight games last season, his first in the NFL. He recorded 41 tackles and a pair of pass deflections after the Panthers selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 draft.
Pro Football Focus graded Pride Jr.’s rookie season at 39.3, after the youngster played in just about half of all defensive snaps last season (529). Pride Jr. also was on the field for one-third of all special teams snaps.
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