Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales is keeping the Week 6 injury picture close to the vest, but the team did get some encouraging movement this week.
On Tuesday, the Panthers opened the practice window for three players: running back Trevor Etienne, who has been dealing with an ankle injury; offensive tackle Taylor Moton, who has been out because of blood clots; and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton, who has a neck issue. By Friday, all three were listed as full participants, and each is now considered questionable for Sunday’s game.
Asked after Friday’s work whether that means they’ll be ready to suit up, Canales didn’t give a firm answer.
"I mean, we'll see. We'll see what they look like," he replied with a smile.
"We got a great week of practice-and the guys bouncing back, excited to be out there and showing us what they can do. And now, it's just a matter of putting it together, making sure tomorrow.
How are they feeling before we make any decisions?"
Even with the uncertainty, Canales did say he expects Etienne to be activated to the roster. That would come at a good time, since backup running back AJ Dillon has already been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Moton’s potential return also matters, especially with starting right tackle Monroe Freeling listed as doubtful because of a knee injury.
Wharton, for his part, was more direct earlier in the week, telling reporters on Thursday that he expects to play in Philadelphia.
In Other News...
Panthers Fans Have One Eagles Player To Watch Very Closely
As the Panthers continue sorting out where their roster still needs help, one familiar Eagles opponent is worth keeping a close eye on. Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice looked at Philadelphias potential trade candidates and pointed to three names that could make sense for Carolina, with cornerback Riq Woolen emerging as the most obvious fit given the Panthers current needs.
Dan Morgan and his staff are expected to use the upcoming game to take a hard look at the Eagles roster, which only adds to the intrigue around Woolen. Dallas Goedert and Landon Dickerson are also on the list, but the Panthers focus appears more likely to land on the defensive backfield as they weigh where a move could help most. [Read more 🡒]
Panthers Face A Few Matchups That Could Decide Everything In Philly
After an early bye week, the Panthers head to Philadelphia with the kind of test that tends to reveal where a team really is in October. The focus is on a handful of individual battles that could shape the day, with Carolinas Robert Hunt, Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker and Bobby Okereke all facing different kinds of pressure from an Eagles group built to make life difficult in the trenches and on the perimeter.
Hunts work against Jalen Carter is the obvious heavyweight matchup, but the passing-game wrinkles may end up carrying as much weight for Carolina. McMillan and Coker will have to navigate tight coverage from Riq Woolen and Cooper DeJean, while Okerekes job gets complicated by Dallas Goederts involvement in the middle of the field. For a Panthers team trying to build momentum out of the bye, these one-on-one snaps could tell the story long before the fourth quarter does. [Read more 🡒]
Bryce Young Is Chasing Rare Company Against The Eagles
Bryce Young has quietly put himself in some unusual company to open the season, stringing together four straight games with at least 280 passing yards and a touchdown. For a Panthers offense that has spent plenty of recent Sundays searching for traction, Youngs early run has given Carolina a real reason to pay attention every week, and it has also put him on the doorstep of a mark that has been in the conversation for years.
Philadelphia is next, and with it comes a chance for Young to keep climbing into territory reserved for the game's most prolific starts. He leads the league in passing yards per game right now, and while the record he is chasing belongs to Drew Brees, the bigger picture is even more striking if this stretch holds. The Panthers have been waiting for a steady offensive pulse, and Young is suddenly carrying the sort of momentum that can turn a hot first month into something much more meaningful. [Read more 🡒]