Carolina Panthers linebacker DJ Johnson will be absent from the team's concluding game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons due to injuries sustained in a recent car accident, head coach Dave Canales announced on Friday. The incident, confirmed by Canales, reportedly occurred on Thursday in Charlotte and resulted in a concussion for the 26-year-old player, as reported by The Athletic.

The Panthers initially designated Johnson as out on Friday's injury report citing personal reasons, but Canales later clarified the situation to reporters. He stated that Johnson is currently undergoing evaluation. A team spokesperson confirmed the details of the accident to The Athletic, stating that it was a two-car collision. Further information regarding the incident remains limited at this time.

Johnson, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has recorded 44 tackles, one quarterback hit, and one fumble recovery in 14 games this season, starting in two of them. While the Panthers are out of playoff contention, Sunday's game carries significant weight for the Falcons. A win for Atlanta coupled with a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss would secure the Falcons a postseason berth.