AP

The Panthers appear to have avoided a scare late in last night’s game, the kind of thing that could have ruined the good feelings built in a three-game winning streak.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera told reporters a few moments ago that MRIs on defensive end Charles Johnson came back negative, via Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer.

Johnson was hauled off the field on a cart in the final minute of last night’s win over the Buccaneers, with a groin strain. But since nothing’s torn, they’re holding out hope he might be on the field a week from Sunday when they play the Falcons.

Johnson’s one of the building blocks of their defense, a very good run defender who also happens to have 6.0 sacks this season.