Injury roundup: Benjamin misses Panthers practice

Cam Newton's top target continues to deal with a concussion.

Kelvin Benjamin missed his second day of practice as he goes through concussion protocol, per the Associated Press' Steve Reed.

The Panthers also practiced without Fozzy Whittaker, Charles Johnson, Darrin Reaves and Amini Silatolu on Thursday.

Coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday that Benjamin showed up for work on Monday with a headache after appearing to take a big hit on the final offensive play in Sunday's overtime tie.

It's unknown whether Benjamin, a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, will be able to get through concussion protocol in time to play this week in Green Bay. The dynamic receiver would be a huge loss if he's unable to suit up, as he is Newton's one deep threat and an extreme matchup problem for defensive backs.

However, concussions are fickle beasts, and only time will tell when the rookie will be able to return to the playing field.

What other injuries are we monitoring on this fine Thursday? Check them out below:

1. Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray and Tyron Smith were all back at practice on Thursday, per NFL Media's Desmond Purnell. ESPN reported that Romo's left ankle was taped. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told Purnell that Smith had a "tweak in his ankle," but an MRI revealed nothing that would slow the tackle.

2. Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (shoulder) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, per the Saints' official site. (The Lions and the Saints will square off this weekend.) Graham injured his shoulder in the Saints' Week 5 win over the Buccaneers. 

3. The Lions had multiple absences at practice, with no-shows from Calvin Johnson, Eric Ebron, Joseph Fauria, Theo Riddick and Travis Lewis, per the team's official website. Ziggy Ansah, Reggie Bush and Kyle Van Noy, however, were participants.

4. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was absent from Giants practice, per Around The NFL's Conor Orr. Rodgers-Cromartie told reporters his body feels about 60 percent healthy.

5. Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayounderwent surgery on a torn patellar tendon, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. The hope is for Mayo to be recovered by OTAs and minicamp next year.

6. Branden Albert sported an elbow brace at Dolphins practice Thursday. Per ESPN, it appears that Albert will play with it this weekend.

7. A.J. Green (toe) was not at Bengals practice, via the team's official site. Green is expected to miss the rest of the week.

8. Ryan Clark, Trent Williams, Perry Riley and David Amersonwere all limited for the Redskins in Thursday's practice.

8. The Bears announced that Chris Conte and Lance Briggsdid not practice, while Jon Bostic, D.J. Williams, Jordan Mills and Ahmad Dixon were all limited. Coach Marc Trestman told reporters that Briggs (ribs) is day to day.

9. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said that Datone Jones did not practice Thursday and is "not recovering as fast as we thought."

10. Mum was the word for Texans coach Bill O'Brien, who said there were "no updates right now" on any of his injured players -- including rookie Jadeveon Clowney -- per ESPN.

11. Carson Palmer was labeled limited in practice Thursday, but is still expected to start. Andre Ellington (foot) also returned on a limited basis for the Arizona Cardinals. Michael Floyd (groin) was full-go.

12. Chiefs safety Eric Berry (ankle) was downgraded and did not practice after being limited on Wednesday. 

13. Arian Foster was listed as limited with a groin injury. The running back missed time earlier this year with a hamstring injury. Andre Johnson (ankle) was also limited for the Houston Texans.

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