The Carolina Panthers didn’t play a single down in Week 14, but they still came out ahead - and in this NFC South race, every little edge counts.
Thanks to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 24-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Panthers head into the final four weeks of the regular season tied with Tampa at 7-6, sitting atop a division that’s been anything but predictable. And with a playoff berth on the line - something Carolina hasn’t tasted since 2017 - the margin for error is razor-thin. The stage is set, and the Panthers are making moves to stay in the fight.
Coming off their bye, Carolina released its updated depth chart for a pivotal Week 15 rematch with the Saints. A few shifts stand out - both on offense and defense - as the team looks to tighten things up for the stretch run.
Offensive Adjustments: Corbett Steps In, Etienne Climbs the Ladder
Let’s start in the trenches. Austin Corbett has officially been bumped into the starting lineup at right guard.
It’s a move that was foreshadowed in Week 13, when Corbett filled in at center for Cade Mays against the Rams. Now, with Mays back at center, Corbett slides over to solidify the right side of the line.
It’s a veteran presence in a key spot - and one that could be critical as the Panthers look to establish consistency up front.
At running back, Rico Dowdle remains the top option, with Chuba Hubbard backing him up and rookie Trevor Etienne rounding out the group. But Etienne’s role continues to grow - not just as a third-string back, but as a dynamic return man.
He’s now listed as the first-string option for both kick and punt returns, giving Carolina a spark in the third phase of the game. With his burst and vision, Etienne has the tools to flip field position - or even break one - at a moment’s notice.
In the Trenches: Ekwonu, Mays, Moton Anchor the Line
The offensive line continues to take shape around a core of Ikem Ekwonu at left tackle, Damien Lewis at left guard, Mays at center, Corbett at right guard, and Taylor Moton at right tackle. That’s a group with a mix of youth and experience - and one that will need to hold up against a Saints front that can bring pressure from multiple angles.
Depth-wise, Jake Curhan is backing up both guard spots, Yosh Nijman is the swing tackle, and Nick Samac provides depth at center. The Panthers know the importance of depth this time of year, especially in the trenches, where injuries can shift the landscape in a hurry.
Defensive Front: Brown, Wharton Lead a Deep Rotation
On the defensive line, Derrick Brown and Tershawn Wharton sit atop the depth chart at end, with A'Shawn Robinson anchoring the middle at tackle. It’s a front that’s built to be stout against the run - and they’ll need to be, with the Saints likely leaning on Alvin Kamara to control tempo.
Behind the starters, LaBryan Ray and Bobby Brown III offer rotational depth at end, while Cam Jackson backs up Robinson inside. Jared Harrison-Hunte rounds out the group as a third-stringer, giving Carolina a solid rotation to keep legs fresh late into games.
Linebackers: Barnes Makes His Mark
One of the more notable additions to the depth chart is veteran linebacker Krys Barnes, who was signed ahead of the Week 13 win over the Rams. With Christian Rozeboom and Claudin Cherelus sidelined, Barnes stepped in and delivered - logging four tackles over 49 snaps in the 31-28 victory. Now, he’s officially listed as a third-string inside linebacker, but his performance showed he’s ready when called upon.
The starting inside linebacker duo remains Rozeboom and rookie Trevin Wallace, with Bam Martin-Scott and Cherelus behind them. On the edges, D.J. Wonnum and Nic Scourton start at outside linebacker, with Princely Umanmielen, Thomas Incoom, and Trevis Gipson providing depth.
Secondary and Special Teams: Moehrig, Etienne Headline the Back End
In the secondary, Tre’von Moehrig and Nick Scott hold down the safety spots, with Demani Richardson and Lathan Ransom backing them up. The cornerback rotation wasn’t detailed in the depth chart release, but Robert Rochell - another recent addition - is now part of the mix after being signed to the active roster before the Rams game.
On special teams, Ryan Fitzgerald remains the kicker, Sam Martin handles punting duties, and JJ Jansen continues his long run as the team’s long snapper.
But again, the biggest special teams storyline might be Trevor Etienne. Listed as the top option for both kick and punt returns, the rookie has a chance to become a game-changer in the return game. Add in his role as a third-string running back, and it’s clear the Panthers are looking to get the ball in his hands however they can.
The Road Ahead
With four weeks left, the Panthers are right in the thick of the NFC South hunt - and they’re making subtle but meaningful tweaks to give themselves the best shot. The rematch with New Orleans looms large, not just because of the standings, but because of what it could signal about this team’s playoff readiness.
The margin is tight, the stakes are high, and the Panthers - quietly but deliberately - are gearing up for a run.