The Carolina Panthers wrapped up their final Tell the Truth Monday of the regular season and started Week 18 practice. Tuesday was a walkthrough session, even though this week’s game is flexed to Saturday. In case you haven’t heard, Saturday’s game is kind of a big deal.
Defensive Starter Returns to Practice on Tuesday, Handful Sit Out
The Week 18 matchup in Tampa Bay could decide the NFC South title if the Panthers beat the Buccaneers. Otherwise, fans must wait for Falcons vs. Saints on Sunday. Carolina remains focused and aims to have as many players as possible available. Tuesday’s walkthrough indicated possible returns of some key players.
Defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton (hamstring) fully participated in practice. He injured his hamstring before Week 15 and missed the last three weeks. Bobby Brown III took extra reps during Wharton’s absence.
Offensive guard Robert Hunt (biceps) and wide receiver David Moore (elbow) also fully participated. Both remain on injured reserve, but their full participation is promising for their availability in the season’s biggest game.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales stayed cautious, saying, “We’re still considering all those things.” Hunt has been out since tearing his bicep in Week 2. Moore sustained a significant elbow injury in Week 4.
Several Panthers did not participate on Tuesday: Rico Dowdle (toe), Claudin Cherelus (foot/ankle), Krys Barnes (back), and Robert Rochell (concussion) were all inactive, though their status for upcoming games is unclear.
Trevin Wallace (shoulder) and Ja’Tavion Sanders (fibula) also missed practice, as expected. Wallace, now out for the season after last week’s surgery, and Sanders, sidelined indefinitely due to last Sunday’s broken ankle against the Seahawks, are both expected to miss significant time.
The linebacker position is a concern, as Cherelus reportedly wore a boot on his left foot (per Joe Person, The Athletic). If Cherelus and Barnes cannot play Saturday, undrafted rookie Bam Martin-Scott will likely start next to Christian Rozeboom.
Claudin Cherelus with a boot on his left foot.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) December 30, 2025
Dowdle played all of Sunday’s Week 17 game. His status is worth monitoring, but no significant injury was reported during or after the game.
Dowdle’s production has decreased since his strong midseason stretch, when he ranked as high as second in PFSN’s RBi metric between Weeks 5 through 9. Over the last seven games, he’s averaged 24th among running backs.
The Panthers aim to get their ground game back on track against the Buccaneers on Saturday. But whether they can capitalize on their plan would be the test of time.
