When the NFL season gets past the halfway mark, just about every player is dealing with aches and pains, at a minimum. The Carolina Panthers are no exception to that rule.
But looking at the Week 11 injury report from a 30,000-foot view, the Panthers’ roster is in decent shape heading into a pivotal division matchup.
2 Panthers Ruled Out on Friday
Linebacker Trevin Wallace (shoulder) and safety Lathan Ransom (hand) were non-participants for the entire week of practice, so it should come as no surprise to see both players officially ruled out for Sunday’s game.
Panthers’ head coach Dave Canales spoke with the media on Friday and was asked about linebacker Claud Cherelus’ performance throughout the week. Canales confidently responded with, “He did an excellent job. It’s great to have Claud around here for a while now, in scheme and to understand what we’re requiring of the inside linebackers to play.”
Cherelus got the nod to take over for Wallace in the third quarter after the injury, and Canales appreciated the effort, adding, “I really loved the way he finished last game. And then he had a great week, just playing physical and being in tune with the calls in different situations.”
There has been no official word on who will wear the green dot as of yet, but the practical assumption is that Christian Rozeboom (PFSN LBi score of 70.6) will have that responsibility.
Running back Rico Dowdle (quadriceps) saw his activity level continue to ramp up, logging a full practice on Friday after sitting out on Wednesday, and participating in a limited capacity on Thursday.
Dowdle does not carry an injury designation into Sunday’s game and is cleared to play.
Austin Corbett started at right guard for the Panthers in Week 10. Still, with confirmation today that Chandler Zavala (elbow) will be back in action, the veteran utility lineman will move into a reserve role this week. Zavala will get the start on Sunday at right guard.
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Similar to how Dave Canales opted to give Brandon Walton snaps at right guard over Brady Christensen in Week 4 after losing starter Robert Hunt, the decision is mainly due to Corbett’s versatility along the interior of the offensive line. Canales values having that flexibility in case of any further shuffling from in-game injuries.
Both Derrick Brown (knee) and Brycen Tremayne (hip) fully participated in Friday’s practice and are ready to play on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.