Head coach Ron Rivera does not seem concerned about Johnson's (back) recent back surgery, Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer reports. "This is one of those things that if you play football, you're gonna have this. This was just an easy fix from my understanding," Rivera said. "We're just glad that it's done and he's feeling good and doing the things he's supposed to be doing now."

EDGE Analysis

Johnson recently underwent a microdisectomy to repair a herniated disc, an operation that became necessary after an epidural failed to improve his lower back pain. Although Rivera admitted he wasn't sure of Johnson's timeline for a return, the 30-year-old defensive end is expected back for training camp and should be full go for the start of the 2017 season.

Johnson (back) is undergoing surgery that will keep him out of action until training camp, Max Henson of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old, who recently signed a two-year extension, has been been dealing with back pain and will undergo a minor surgery to address the issue. Head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion said of the situation, "Following the surgery, we want Charles as active as possible while still taking the proper precautions. He will be up and moving around the next day, and we will progressively bring him back." Johnson recorded 26 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles and two pass deflections through 13 games last season and shows no signs of slowing down. Look for more updates on his status to come once training camp is underway.

Johnson signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Panthers on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson, who has been with the Panthers since 2017, is not going anywhere soon. The veteran defensive end ranks second all time for the Panthers with 67.5 sacks, and has been the team captain for three straight season. He could have become an unrestricted free agent, but instead opted to stick with familiar scenery. He will presumably head into 2017 as the team's starting left defensive end.

Johnson (foot) was ruled out of Sunday's game in Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson returned from a two-game absence to suit up for last week's contest versus the Falcons, but it isn't clear if he had sustained a setback while playing. In his absence, look for Kony Ealy to get the start at defensive end opposite Wes Horton.

Johnson (hamstring) will play and start in Saturday's matchup with Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said that Johnson looked good in practice this week after he sat out the team's past two games. His return will bump Kony Ealy back to his typical role as a depth defensive lineman.

Johnson (hamstring) will not play in Monday's game against the Redskins, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The absence will be Johnson's second straight while he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Kony Ealy will presumably fill in at defensive end while the veteran is sidelined.

Johnson (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson is set to miss at least one game due to the hamstring injury he suffered during last week's loss to the Seahawks. Expect Kony Ealy to see a bump in snaps at defensive end until Johnson is able to return.

Johnson (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson injured his hamstring last Sunday against the Seahawks. He'll look to get back on the practice field prior to this weekend's showdown with the Chargers.

Johnson (quadriceps) is listed as questionable to play against the Saints on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was able to give it a go in Week 5, but was limited in practice Thursday and Friday after not participating at all on Wednesday. However, he has likely just been given veteran treatment and should be fine to play this weekend.

The Panthers have officially listed Johnson (quadriceps) as active for Monday's tilt with the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson practiced in full on Saturday, which makes this status update somewhat unsurprising. The starting left defensive end figures to take on a full workload in Monday's contest.