After a much-needed late-season bye-their latest since 2001-the Carolina Panthers are back on the practice field, and the timing couldn’t be better. With a pivotal stretch ahead and a division title still within reach, the extra rest might be just what this banged-up roster needed.
Head coach Dave Canales spoke with reporters following Monday’s practice, the team’s first session since the break, and provided some encouraging updates on a few key players. Chief among them: cornerback Jaycee Horn and inside linebacker Claudin Cherelus, both of whom missed last week’s win over the Rams while in concussion protocol.
“They’re both trending in the right direction,” Canales said. “They’re still in the protocol, so they have to clear all the steps, but we’re making sure we do right by the guys.”
Horn and Cherelus suffered head injuries during Carolina’s Week 12 loss to the 49ers, and their absence was felt-particularly Horn’s, given his role as the team’s top cover corner. But the defense held its own in Week 13, and now, with both players progressing, there’s optimism they could be back in action soon.
Canales also touched on the status of right guard Robert Hunt, who’s been sidelined since Week 2 with a torn biceps. While Hunt won’t be activated this week, the coach made it clear the veteran lineman is inching closer to a return.
“He’s getting stronger,” Canales said. “We’d love to see him back at some point over this next stretch.”
Hunt’s absence has forced the Panthers to shuffle the deck up front, starting four different players at right guard since his injury. Most recently, that job’s gone to fifth-year vet Jake Curhan, who’s held his own, but getting Hunt back would be a major boost for a line that’s been through the wringer.
And make no mistake-getting healthy now could be a game-changer for Carolina. Despite an up-and-down season, the Panthers find themselves in a tie atop the NFC South heading into Week 15. Every game from here on out carries playoff implications, and Canales knows how important it is to have his full arsenal available.
“It’s huge right now,” he said. “We would’ve loved to have Jaycee, Claud, and Tre [Tre’von Moehrig] out there on Sunday.
But credit to the guys who stepped in and showed what they can do. We’re excited to get everybody back and have as strong of a group as we’ve had all year.”
The Panthers will hit the road this week to face the 3-10 New Orleans Saints-a team that’s struggled but still poses a threat in a rivalry game. With players like Horn and Hunt potentially nearing a return, Carolina could be getting healthy at exactly the right time. And in a division that’s still wide open, that might make all the difference.