Adding depth for Sunday’s NFC South matchup against the New Orleans Saints, the Carolina Panthers on Saturday elevated rookie defensive tackle Jared Harrison-Hunte and veteran wide receiver Dan Chisena from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
An undrafted free agent from SMU, Harrison-Hunte, the 12th rookie to appear on the active roster for the rebuilding Panthers (5-4), remains poised to dress for his first NFL regular-season game. He appeared in two preseason games, logging three tackles (one solo).
The Saints (1-8) have struggled on offense this season, ranking No. 31 with 15.3 points per game. With Harrison-Hunte, the Panthers plan to bolster the front by employing seven defensive linemen, including Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, Tershawn Wharton, Bobby Brown III, LaBryan Ray and rookie Cam Jackson.
On offense, Chisena ended up getting the call over veteran Hunter Renfrow. Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan tweaked his hamstring during Friday’s practice and departed early. Coach Dave Canales said after Friday’s practice that the move proved to be “precautionary” after “something popped up, so, you know, we shut him down.”
McMillan, who appears to be trending to play Sunday at Bank of America Stadium, leads the Panthers with 41 catches for 558 yards and two touchdowns. His yardage ranks second among first-year receivers.
Since making a key fourth-down catch against the Dallas Cowboys, Renfrow likely will remain inactive for the fourth consecutive week. With special teamer Brycen Tremayne appearing as questionable on Friday’s injury report, Chisena’s experience at gunner could be utilized Sunday.
To make room for Harrison-Hunte, the Panthers waived third-string quarterback Mike White.
#Panthers decided to go with two defensive ends, Derrick Brown and A’Shawn Robinson, tripping up the opportunity of prospect Jared Harrison-Hunte making #NFL 53-man roster … pic.twitter.com/goKJAk6zJa
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 27, 2025
Carolina Panthers Quote Of The Week
Panthers defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, a key free agent signing last offseason, missed four games earlier this season, but enjoyed a strong outing against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. When asked about Wharton’s effort, which included a season-best seven tackles, including a sack, Canales said:
“It’s the energy, it’s the aggressiveness, the violance of his play. Being able to be disruptive, that’s what we counted on and why he is here.”
#Panthers DT Tershawn Wharton (92) adds #NFL veteran leadership to a position group with rookie Cam Jackson and sophomore Jaden Crumedy … pic.twitter.com/6uuqu8nI1M
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 26, 2025
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