There is no depth left
The Carolina Panthers are reviving their tradition of devastating injuries just in time for the holidays. This time, they have lost inside linebackers Trevin Wallace (shoulder) and Claudin Cherelus (foot) to injured reserve.
Wallace, a 2024 third round pick, was starting opposite veteran free agent signing Josey Jewell after the team lost Shaq Thompson (Achilles) in Week 4. The Panthers signed Jacoby Windman from their practice squad to fill their spots. Windmon is a 2024 undrafted free agent and will likely now be starting opposite Jewell at inside linebacker.
The only other inside backer on the roster is special teams player Jon Rhattigan who, according to the team’s release on the subject, played his first snap on defense last week against the Dallas Cowboys.
That is not good news for the league’s worst rushing defense. Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner is coming to town this weekend for the Panthers home finale. He is a top ten back in this league in 2024 by production. He is 129 yard away (plus whatever Bijan Robinson puts up this week) from being a top five back. Maybe bet on him making up that distance.