Johnson announced his retirement Wednesday, Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson wraps up his career as one of the most decorated Panthers' defensive players of all time. Having played 11 seasons in Carolina, Johnson registered 67.5 sacks and 352 tackles during his career.

Johnson was released by the Panthers on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was released alongside veteran defensive back Kurt Coleman as the team looks to not only get younger on the defensive side of the ball, but also give itself more cap space heading into the offseason. After a 2014 season where Johnson led Carolina in sacks, the veteran defensive end has recorded just five sacks in the three seasons since. Johnson is likely nearing the end of his NFL career, but he should still be able to provide a quality veteran presence on another team's defensive front in 2018.

Johnson (coach's decision) is listed as inactive for Sunday's wild-card game against the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson, who played just 17 snaps in the Panthers' regular season finale last week, won't be used during the team's wild-card tilt. Wes Horton figures to provide depth at defensive end behind Julius Peppers and Mario Addison.

Johnson's suspension was lifted Monday, per the league's official transaction log.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson has officially satisfied the four-game suspension he was handed for a violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. The Panthers were granted a temporary roster exemption upon his reinstatement, and the team will need to let another player go in order to officially bring Johnson back to the roster.

Johnson has been suspended four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson's suspension will begin immediately, so he will not play in Sundays' game against the Saints and will also sit out the next three games. That will allow him to return for the Panthers' Week 17 matchup with the Falcons and participate in any postseason games Carolina plays in.

Johnson (groin) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was listed on Friday's injury report with a groin injury, but he was able to practice without limitations. He's slated to start at defensive end per usual, though Julius Peppers figures to see his share of snaps as well.

Johnson (groin) practiced without limitations Friday, but he's still listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup with Chicago, Bryan Strickland of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was a new arrival on Friday's injury report, so this injury was likely sustained in practice. The veteran defensive end is listed as a starting defensive end, but he still shares snaps with Julius Peppers, especially in pass-rushing situations. Therefore, if Johnson can't go, expect to see Peppers increase his snap count, and Wes Horton will also be summoned more.

Johnson (back) was not listed on the first Panthers' injury report of the season Tuesday, Bryan Strickland of the Panthers' official website reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson's back issues in camp were closely connected to the hamstring injuries that have caused him to miss 10 games over the past two seasons. As expected, the Panthers allowed the veteran to ease his way back into game shape in order to avoid aggravating the injury. The goal was for the 31-year-old to return Week 1, and judging by his absence from the team's injury report, his recovery went according to plan. Given the depth on the team's defensive line, do not expect Johnson to see a full workload right right away.

Johnson (back) hopes to be ready for the start of the upcoming campaign, ESPN's David Newton reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson missed 10 games over the past two seasons due to hamstring injuries, which he said were closely connected to the lower-back pain he'd experienced in recent times. In fact, the 31-year-old's back problems were so bad that he was unable to get out of bed earlier this offseason. That pain resulted in Johnson undergoing a microdiscectomy in March, a procedure Johnson said provided him with immediate relief. Now taking part in Carolina's training camp preparations, Johnson is aiming to be ready to play by Week 1. Whenever he re-enters the fold, the Panthers' depth at defensive end should allow Johnson to remain relatively fresh, but his days of approaching double-digit sacks are likely behind him now.

Johnson (back) has been a limited participant during the Panthers' OTAs this week, Max Henson of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson, who underwent a procedure to repair a herniated disc earlier in the offseason, is on pace for a full return at training camp. The 30-year-old doesn't have much to prove in Carolina, so the team can gradually ease him back into action if need be.