“That really doesn’t affect me, man. It’s another week.”

Head coach Ron Rivera said he’s been pleased with how his team has approached the final week of practice knowing there’s no postseason for the Panthers.

“You really want to come out and play them the best you can because of what we’re trying to build and the attitude we’re trying to have. To lose now would be disappointing,” Rivera said.

“I think our guys have done a nice job. They’ve practiced well. I’m pretty excited about that, especially going into the last game … just trying to get them to understand we can make an impact in the playoffs. We may not be in but we can certainly impact them.”

RIVERA ON WILSON: After learning more details surrounding the reported theft of four guns from the car of special teams player Kion Wilson this week, Rivera said he hopes similar situations can be avoided in the future.

“I’m satisfied. Obviously, you don’t want anybody having guns or anything like that,” Rivera said.

“The explanation I got was a sensible one. I think he understands. He knows better. Hopefully we won’t have that issue reoccur with anybody.”

INJURY UPDATE: Rivera said an extra day between games should help defensive end Charles Johnson who has been limited by a back injury in recent weeks. Johnson missed practice again Thursday but hopes to play Sunday.

Because of the back problem, Johnson was used primarily on third down against Tampa Bay last Saturday.

“This week having the extra day has done him some good. We just want to be careful. We can afford to be patient with him,” Rivera said.

Defensive tackle Andre Neblett missed practice again Thursday as did safety Jordan Pugh due to concussion symptoms. Safety Charles Godfrey (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis. Offensive tackle Travelle Wharton was excused from practice Thursday for personal reasons.

If Neblett is unable to play, he will be replaced by Ogemdi Nwagbuo.

KICKING UPDATE: Rivera said he is pleased with how kicker Olindo Mare has responded to the competition with Adi Kunalic in practice. Kunalic was added to the roster earlier this month after Mare missed a critical field goal against Atlanta.

Mare has kept the placekicking job, making field goals of 19 and 21 yards against the Bucs last week.

“I think he’s handled it very well,” Rivera said. “I think bringing Adi back has maybe helped him to refocus. The intent is this is a guy we liked, Adi, coming out of camp and we’re trying to keep him. We just couldn’t. Now we thought, just bring him and work the competition.”

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — The Panthers have placed starting cornerback Captain Munnerlyn on injured reserve with a strained left hamstring.

Munnerlyn, a former Murphy High School standout, was injured on Sunday against the Houston Texans and had to leave the game.

Darius Butler, acquired off waivers earlier this season from the Patriots, will start Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coach Ron Rivera said.

R.J Stanford will be the team’s nickel back.

Munnerlyn had started all 14 games for the Panthers.

The Panthers signed cornerback Jonathan Nelson from the practice squad to take his place.

The Panthers are also likely to be without starting strong safety Charles Godfrey, who is out with a strained right shoulder. He’s listed as doubtful after missing practice again on Friday. If Godfrey can’t start, then Jordan Pugh will get the nod.