The Carolina Panthers are getting a much-needed boost in their backfield for Week 18.
As announced this afternoon, the team has activated running back Miles Sanders from injured reserve ahead of tomorrow’s regular-season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. The sixth-year veteran, who was designated to return to practice earlier in the week, has missed the last six games due to an ankle sprain.
Sanders last played in the Panthers’ Week 10 win over the New York Giants from Munich’s Allianz Arena. Over his 10 appearances in 2024, he’s rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries.
Carolina’s 48-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the first outing after starting running back Chuba Hubbard’s placement on season-ending injured reserve, yielded a season-low 39 rushing yards. Return specialist Raheem Blackshear led the team with 20 rushing yards on eight attempts.
The Panthers also elevated outside linebackers Thomas Incoom and Kenny Dyson for Sunday’s contest. Fellow outside linebacker DJ Johnson, who sustained a concussion in a car accident on Thursday, will not be available.
Johnson will be joined on the shelf by another outside ‘backer in Amaré Barno, who was placed on injured reserve as part of today’s moves. Carolina signed defensive lineman DeShawn Williams from their practice squad to fill Barno’s void.