Friday marked the Carolina Panthers’ last chance for key players to ramp up before the Week 13 matchup. For most players on the fence, the Thanksgiving turkey did not bring recovery this year.
Panthers Declare Multiple Key Players Out for Week 13
The Panthers will be shorthanded, especially on defense, against the NFC-leading Rams. After Friday’s practice, head coach Dave Canales announced three starters did not practice and will miss Week 13.
Cornerback Jaycee Horn (concussion) couldn’t clear league protocol. It’s unlikely to return a week after a concussion, especially after a short week for the Panthers.
Horn’s absence is significant. He is one of the league’s top cornerbacks, and Carolina faces an opponent with the third-best EPA per passing play (+0.17) in the NFL. The Rams offense also ranks sixth in points (27.8) and fifth in passing yards (248.4). The Rams’ 89.2 score is the second-best grade, according to PFSN OFFi.
Chau Smith-Wade and Akayleb Evans will be available to play the outside cornerback role opposite of Mike Jackson. Smith-Wade has played primarily as a nickel corner for Carolina since being drafted in the fifth round in 2024, but spent the majority of his collegiate career at Washington State playing on the outside.
Starting linebacker Christian Rozeboom (hamstring) will miss his second straight game, weakening the defensive lineup. Backup linebacker and special teams ace Claudin Cherelus (concussion), who did not practice all week, will also be inactive on Sunday, impacting both linebacker depth and special teams.
Trevin Wallace (shoulder) practiced all week and will play for the Panthers’ defense. The second-year linebacker adds needed athleticism and physicality at the second level. Wallace is likely to be paired with Krys Barnes as the starting linebackers for Sunday’s game.
Safety Tre’von Moehrig will not play for the Panthers because his suspension (unsportsmanlike conduct) was upheld. Rookie Lathan Ransom will see more playing time, with some rotational usage from Demani Richardson.
Starting center Cade Mays (ankle) and reserve guard Chandler Zavala (calf) will also miss Week 13. Austin Corbett will start at center, and Jake Curhan will play right guard. Curhan stepped in during Week 12 and performed well.
Curhan played two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks while Dave Canales was on staff, so he is familiar with the offensive scheme and protections.