Curtis Samuel expected to miss the Panthers' season opener

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel is expected to miss the team's season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday after undergoing a small procedure to correct an irregular heartbeat, according to a report from NFL Network.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel is expected to miss the team's season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday after undergoing a small procedure to correct an irregular heartbeat, according to a report from NFL Network.

Samuel was absent from practice Tuesday. Panthers coach Ron Rivera offered no details when speaking to reporters, saying Samuel is "dealing with a medical issue."

"He saw the doctor today, so we'll wait to see what the doctor has to say," Rivera said.

Samuel had missed practice Sunday because he was sick. Asked if the two issues were different, Rivera again was brief.

"I guess so," he said. "Again, I stay out of that side of it."

Samuel, 22, enjoyed a strong preseason after his rookie campaign was ended early by an ankle injury. He had 10 catches for 180 yards in four games, including grabs of 31 and 39 yards.

Samuel had 15 catches for 115 yards in nine games last season after being drafted in the second round by the Panthers.

Defensive end Bryan Cox Jr. also missed practice Tuesday due to an illness, according to Rivera. Starting right tackle Daryl Williams (knee) practiced in pads for the second day in a row, but his status for Sunday remains unclear.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)