Panthers Face High-Stakes NFC South Clash Amid Key Injuries and Roster Moves
With the NFC South hanging in the balance, the Carolina Panthers are gearing up for their most meaningful regular season game in years. At 7-7, they’re set to host the equally 7-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Week 16 showdown that could very well decide the division.
The winner walks out of Bank of America Stadium alone atop the NFC South, with just two weeks left in the regular season. It doesn’t get much bigger than this in December.
But as the Panthers prepare for this pivotal matchup, they’re dealing with some tough injury news that could shape how this game plays out on both sides of the ball.
Injury Report: Key Absences on Defense, Uncertainty on the O-Line
Two defensive contributors are officially out for this game: defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton and linebacker Trevin Wallace. Wharton hasn’t seen the field at all this month, but his presence in the middle of the defensive line is missed-especially against a Tampa Bay offense that’s shown flashes of balance down the stretch. His ability to clog running lanes and disrupt the pocket is something the Panthers could’ve used in a game where every inch matters.
Wallace, a second-year linebacker, will also be sidelined. This marks his third missed game of the season due to injury. He’s been a developing piece in Carolina’s linebacker rotation, and his absence puts more pressure on the depth behind him to step up in a game that’s likely to be won or lost in the trenches.
On offense, all eyes are on left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. The former first-round pick didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday and was only a limited participant on Friday.
He’s officially listed as questionable, and that designation looms large. Ekwonu anchors the left side of the line, and against a Buccaneers front that loves to bring pressure, the Panthers will need all the protection they can get to keep their offense on schedule.
If Ekwonu can’t go, it could be a long afternoon for Carolina’s quarterback.
Roster Moves: Depth Reinforcements Arrive Ahead of Week 16
With injuries mounting and playoff implications on the line, the Panthers front office has been active this week, shuffling the practice squad and elevating depth pieces to bolster the roster.
Carolina signed rookie running back Montrell Johnson to the practice squad. Johnson, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound back, comes out of the University of Florida, where he put up over 2,200 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns during his college career. While he hasn’t seen the field yet in the NFL-spending time earlier this year with the Eagles and Cardinals-he brings a physical running style that fits the Panthers’ offensive identity.
They also added outside linebacker Jamil Muhammad, another undrafted rookie, to the practice squad. Muhammad brings versatility and upside after playing three years at Georgia State before transferring to USC.
Over 26 games with the Trojans, he tallied 73 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. He had a stint with the Rams earlier this year but didn’t appear in any regular-season action.
He’s a developmental edge rusher with traits worth keeping an eye on.
In addition to those signings, the Panthers activated guard Saahdiq Charles and linebacker Isaiah Simmons from the practice squad via standard elevation for Week 16. Charles adds interior depth to an offensive line that may need to shuffle if Ekwonu can’t go. Simmons, meanwhile, provides flexibility at linebacker and on special teams-a valuable asset in a game where every possession could swing momentum.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of game that defines seasons-and potentially careers. The Panthers are walking into Week 16 with everything on the line: a shot at first place, a chance to control their playoff destiny, and the opportunity to make a statement in front of their home crowd.
But they’ll have to do it while patching together key spots on the roster. If Carolina can overcome these injuries and get the job done against Tampa Bay, it won’t just be a win-it’ll be a testament to the team’s depth, resilience, and belief in what they’re building.
Sunday can’t come soon enough.