CHARLOTTE – The Panthers will likely be down two starters against Washington on Sunday. Wide receiver Philly Brown (shoulder) and cornerback Charles Tillman (knee) are listed doubtful. Brown suffered the injury during Thursday's practice. Tillman experienced soreness in his knee following last week's win at Tennessee.
"They are a little concerned (Philly) might have subluxed it," head coach Ron Rivera said. "He came in this morning and he was sore. They'll do some more testing on it."
Rivera said the short week of preparation for Thursday's game at Dallas plays a role in Brown and Tillman's outlook for Sunday.
Rookie wide receiver Devin Funchess will make his first start of his NFL career if Brown is unavailable.
"I'll be excited because it's probably going to be my first NFL start," Funchess said. "That's another achievement knocked off the chart."
The second-round pick has played well lately, recording five catches for 112 yards and his first touchdown over the last two games.
"It's been about just kind of working my way up coming off that (hamstring) injury in the preseason and getting into the groove of things," Funchess said.
On the other side of the ball, Bene Benwikere would start in place of Tillman, with Colin Jones taking over at nickel.
Benwikere, who has served as Carolina's nickel corner this year, started the last four games of the 2014 season at outside cornerback. Jones has spent time at nickel depending on the game plan from week to week.
"Last year, Bene played outside and Colin played the nickel for us," Rivera said. "This is nothing new."
Defensive tackle Dwan Edwards, who missed the previous four games with an ankle injury, practiced in full on Thursday and Friday and is probable.
