Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has revealed that defensive end Charles Johnson will "more than likely" miss Sunday's match against the Miami Dolphins.

Johnson suffered a sprained right knee during the third quarter of Monday's 24-20 win over the New England Patriots, forcing him to limp off before returning briefly for the final series of the match.

The 27-year-old took no part in practice on Wednesday or Thursday, and Rivera admitted that he wasn't feeling positive about his chances of being ready in time for Sunday.

"Well, more than likely [he won't play]. It's one of those things we'll see how he is tomorrow. I was a little discouraged today because he didn't go out on the field earlier," Rivera told reporters.

"He has gotten better each day. But again, you like to have guys out as soon as possible and go from there."

Johnson is the team's leader in sacks so far this season with 8.5 to his name.