After Wednesday’s injury report raised a bundle of eyebrows, the Carolina Panthers took to the practice field again on Thursday.
Although it wasn’t a perfect-attendance scenario, they did manage to get a couple of key players back into the mix.
Tetairoa McMillan and Damien Lewis Return to Panthers Practice on Thursday
The Week 16 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a pivotal one for the playoff race and NFC South division title. It’s also a juicy opportunity for the Panthers’ passing game to produce and build confidence for the final stretch.
So, the full participant badge worn during the return of Tetairoa McMillan (ankle/foot) on Thursday is music to fans — and the teams’ — ears.
McMillan has been Carolina’s most productive and consistent threat in the passing game. Jalen Coker has been incorporated into the offense more over the last handful of games, as well, and the duo is beginning to find its groove just in time.
Damien Lewis (illness) returned as a limited participant after registering a DNP on Wednesday. The uptick in participation just one day later is a good sign for his Sunday outlook. Lewis is the No. 10-ranked offensive lineman on the season, earning an 88.2 score per PFSN’s OLi metric.
Jaycee Horn (not injury related/rest) was a full participant, as well, after getting the day off on Wednesday. Sighs of relief were breathed, I’m sure.
READ MORE: 2026 3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Browns Build Around Shedeur Sanders, While 4 Ohio State Stars Go Early
Ikem Ekwonu (knee) and Tershawn Wharton (hamstring) both received DNP status again on Thursday, marking back-to-back days that they could not practice in any fashion. They will have another chance on Friday.
Three other Panthers’ players were listed on Thursday’s report. David Moore (elbow) practiced fully. Taylor Moton (back) and Trevin Wallace (shoulder) were both limited participants.
Wallace was a full participant in Wednesday’s walkthrough practice, so his status on Friday is worth monitoring after he downgraded in participation level Thursday.
