CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Following last Sunday’s 17-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers inside linebacker Trevin Wallace started walking away from his locker when he was interrupted.
When a reporter asked for a moment, the second-year professional declined the invitation. Asked quickly how he felt after injuring his shoulder during the uninspiring defeat, Wallace said: “I’m all right.”
Apparently not.
With Wallace ruled out for Sunday’s NFC South matchup at the Atlanta Falcons, backup Claudin Cherelus is slated to step into the starting lineup. The third-year pro worked with the ones during practice this week.
“He did an excellent job,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said during Friday’s press conference. “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.”
In 28 career games, the prized special teamer is slated to make his third career start. Veteran Christian Rozeboom is listed to start next to Cherelus in the Panthers’ 3-4 base defense.
Canales did not reveal if Rozeboom or Cherelus would wear the green dot, but added both have experience operating as the on-field leader, responsible for directing pre-snap instruction. In other roster moves, the Panthers on Saturday ruled out rookie safety Lathan Ransom. He will be replaced by Demani Richardson. Providing depth, linebacker Krys Barnes and safety Israel Mukuamu were elevated from the practice squad.
#Panthers inside linebackers work on footwork drills during Thursdays #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/5Z4G8PX0CT
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 14, 2025
Carolina Panthers Seek Repeat Effort Vs. Kyle Pitts
During the Panthers’ 30-0 win over the Falcons on Sept. 21, former Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Pitts managed to haul in just four passes for 39 yards. He has 45 catches and 420 yards on the season.
Can the Panthers continue to contain Pitts? They have, after all, struggled covering tight ends at times this season.
“He’s a fantastic player,” Canales said. “We expect them to make him a part of what they are doing in their attack.
“We will be aware of where he is at and we will have a plan to execute that.”
#Panthers coach Dave Canales speaks on the challenge of containing #Falcons TE Kyle Pitts on Sunday … pic.twitter.com/TJW7FAUwEk
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 16, 2025
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