Panthers' Lonnie Johnson : Won't play Sunday

Johnson (shoulder/neck) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.

Johnson logged three consecutive DNPs during the Panthers' week of practice after sustaining a shoulder injury in the Week 17 loss to the Buccaneers, so missing Sunday's regular-season finale comes as no surprise. Nick Scott and Sam Franklin are expected to serve as Carolina's top reserve safeties in Johnson's stead in Week 18.