Carolina Panthers news

McMillan, Coker give Panthers a 'pick-your-poison' passing attack early

WRs Tetairoa McMillan (176 yards) and Jalen Coker (204 yards, 2 TDs) have combined for 380 receiving yards through two games, a big reason Carolina's passing offense has taken off atop the NFC South.

Panthers lean on depth as injuries mount ahead of Browns game

With LB Devin Lloyd, S Nick Scott and LB Claudin Cherelus all out and WRs Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette questionable, Carolina is turning to WR John Metchie III, S Lathan Ransom and LB Tyrel Dodson for bigger roles this week.

Panthers await Ekwonu, Moton returns to shore up offensive line

OT Ikem Ekwonu (recovering from a torn patellar tendon) and OL Taylor Moton (managing a blood-clot issue) remain without firm return timetables as Carolina looks to keep protecting Bryce Young.

Panthers' first 300 snaps reveal an aggressive scheme and a featured Waller

Early snap-count trends show OC Brad Idzik calling an aggressive, downfield passing game, with TE Darren Waller emerging as a red-zone threat and rookie defensive linemen showing growth after a rough Week 1.

Ekwonu's and Moton's eventual O-line returns loom as Carolina tries to protect its NFC South lead.

The McMillan-Coker connection keeps growing as the passing attack's early identity for the division's current No. 1 seed.

Panthers seek second straight win hosting Browns

Carolina, atop the NFC South after routing Atlanta, gets healthier at receiver this week even as a starting linebacker is ruled out.

Panthers place RB Jonathon Brooks on IR, promote S Isaiah Simmons

Carolina reshuffled its backfield and secondary depth this week with a running back headed to injured reserve.

Panthers, atop the NFC South, look for consecutive wins with the receiver corps healthier.

Devin Lloyd Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd earned the honor after a nine-tackle, two-interception (including a pick-six) performance in Carolina's 34-3 win over Atlanta, a line the team says no linebacker has matched since 1982.

Panthers Missing Several Defenders Ahead of Browns Game

Devin Lloyd, Jaelan Phillips and Nick Scott were all out of Wednesday's practice as Carolina, fresh off blowing out Atlanta, preps for Cleveland.

Bryce Young Matches Franchise Feat With Third Straight Multi-TD Game

Quarterback Bryce Young has thrown six touchdown passes through two games, the first Panthers quarterback since Jake Delhomme in 2007 to open a season with three-plus touchdown passes in each of the first two games.

Carolina's defense faces its next test short several starters against Cleveland.

Bryce Young's early-season form has the Panthers atop the NFC South.

Bryce Young throws 3 TDs, Devin Lloyd returns pick-six as Panthers rout Falcons 34-3

Young went 23-of-36 for 287 yards and 3 TDs (2 to Darren Waller) to improve to 5-1 career against Atlanta. Lloyd had 9 tackles, a sack, 3 pass breakups and 2 interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. Carolina next plays at Cleveland.

A dominant defensive performance (2 INTs, a pick-six) has the Panthers atop the NFC South at 1-1.

Panthers rout Falcons 34-3 in dominant road win

Carolina forced five turnovers and did not allow Atlanta a single offensive play inside the red zone, taking early command of the NFC South at 1-1.

Bryce Young throws 3 TD passes as Devin Lloyd, defense power Panthers past short-handed Falcons

Lloyd had 9 tackles, a sack, 3 pass deflections and 2 interceptions (one for a touchdown) a week after Carolina allowed a franchise-record 59 points; Young improved to 5-1 in his career against Atlanta.

Steve Smith Sr. weighs in on Carolina's Week 2 win in Atlanta

The Panthers legend told WFNZ that Bryce Young looks more comfortable with his own on-field identity heading into Carolina's game at Cleveland.

Carolina's takeaway-heavy defense, a week removed from allowing a franchise-record 59 points, travels to Cleveland next.

Panthers rule out DT Bobby Brown III, lean on practice-squad depth for trip to Atlanta

Brown (back) is out for a third straight missed practice, leaving Pro Bowler Derrick Brown without his primary backup; Carolina elevated OLB Jeremiah Moon and S Isaiah Simmons.

Carolina's interior D-line depth gets its first real test on the road without Bobby Brown III.

Panthers mostly healthy for Week 2 at Atlanta; Bobby Brown ruled out

DT Bobby Brown III (back) is out after missing all three practice days, thinning Carolina's line behind Derrick Brown; OLB Patrick Jones II (back) is questionable.

Panthers add LB Tyrel Dodson off practice squad, waive returner Jimmy Horn Jr.

Dodson (43 career starts) signed off the practice squad; with Horn waived, John Metchie III takes over punt/kickoff return duties.

Bryce Young's historic dominance over the Falcons looms over Panthers' trip to Atlanta

Young is 4-1 with a 95.3 rating in 5 career games against Atlanta and hasn't lost to the Falcons since 2023; teammates still reference his famous no-look touchdown pass there in 2024.

Panthers DC Ejiro Evero takes responsibility for franchise-record 59-point loss to Bears

Carolina's defense allowed a franchise-record 59 points and 552 yards in Week 1; Derrick Brown had two penalties that led to 14 Bears points in what was called an uncharacteristic game for the Pro Bowler.

Carolina's defense is trying to rebound from a franchise-record point total allowed.

Bryce Young's personal streak against Atlanta is on the line in the division opener.

Panthers cut WR Jimmy Horn Jr. after muffed punt, promote LB Tyrel Dodson

Carolina released its second-year returner two days after a muffed punt set up a Bears field goal in the Week 1 loss; LB Tyrel Dodson was promoted from the practice squad in the corresponding move.

Panthers owner David Tepper ranks 39th on Forbes 400 list of richest Americans

Forbes' 2026 list estimates Tepper's net worth at $28.5 billion, second among NFL owners and more than double what Forbes valued him at when he bought the Panthers in 2018.

Carolina's return game gets a reset with Jimmy Horn Jr.'s release ahead of a trip to Atlanta.

Panthers' injury report thin ahead of Falcons rematch

Carolina is largely healthy after a Week 1 loss in which it allowed a franchise-record 59 points; TE Darren Waller was given a rest day.

Panthers sign LB Tyrel Dodson, waive WR Jimmy Horn Jr.

John Metchie III takes over kick and punt return duties after Horn Jr.'s release.

Panthers make special-teams changes (Dodson in, Horn Jr. out) after a lopsided Week 1 loss.

Panthers sign LB Tyrel Dodson, waive returner Jimmy Horn Jr. after special-teams miscues vs. Bears

Dodson brings 43 career starts; Horn muffed a punt in the loss to Chicago.

Panthers release Week 2 depth chart: John Metchie III takes over return duties

Xavier Legette and Chuba Hubbard remain backup return options; Dodson slots behind Jackson Kuwatch.

Carolina's special-teams shakeup after a rough opener on that side of the ball.

Canales owns Panthers' record defensive breakdown, backs scheme after 59-37 loss

Carolina allowed 552 total yards in a franchise-record 59-37 loss to Chicago; coach Dave Canales defended coordinator Ejiro Evero's scheme while calling for better tackling, and WR Jalen Coker — who set a career high with 138 yards and 2 TDs playing through a rolled ankle — isn't expected to miss time.

Bryce Young's career-best opener buried in franchise-record 59-37 shootout loss

Young posted his best Week 1 stat line in three tries (361 yards, 3 total TDs, 110.3 rating) even as Carolina's defense allowed a franchise-worst 59 points, with 11 penalties compounding the damage.

Young's career-best opener is overshadowed by a franchise-worst defensive outing Canales must fix fast.

Owner David Tepper reaffirms belief Bryce Young can win 'multiple' Super Bowls

Tepper declined to confirm any long-term contract offer to Young, who is under contract through 2027 via a fifth-year option.

Panthers to be without Patrick Jones II; Jonathon Brooks says he's '100% healthy'

Jones will miss the Bears game with a back injury after already losing Nic Scourton for the season to a torn ACL; Brooks says he's ready despite a groin issue.

Panthers' current depth chart shows Lloyd, Okereke atop rebuilt linebacker corps

Devin Lloyd and Bobby Okereke are the starting inside linebackers as Dave Canales continues reshaping the defense.

David Tepper's public vote of confidence in Bryce Young sets the backdrop for extension talks later this season.

Patrick Jones II's back injury and Jonathon Brooks' groin are front-seven and backfield threads to track after the Chicago loss.

Panthers owner David Tepper holds rare press conference, won't confirm Bryce Young extension talks

Tepper's first news conference since November 2023 puts Bryce Young's long-term future in the spotlight; Young remains unextended entering his fourth season.

Panthers to be without LB Patrick Jones II for opener; Umanmielen set to start with Scourton done for the year

Carolina's front seven takes a hit before kickoff: a recurring back injury sidelines Jones, while rookie Nic Scourton's season-ending ACL tear opens a starting job for Princely Umanmielen.

David Tepper's rare press conference keeps Bryce Young's contract future in the spotlight without resolution.

A retooled front seven is a watch item after Carolina's game against Chicago.

OLB Pat Jones II ruled out for Sunday's home opener vs. Bears

Jones, who signed after a career-best seven-sack 2025 with Minnesota, will miss the opener with a back injury; Umanmielen, Gipson and Incoom get expanded roles, and free-agent Jaelan Phillips (4-year, $120M) sees more early pressure.

Jonathon Brooks trending toward Week 1 availability after groin issue

Brooks, who missed all of 2025 recovering from his second ACL tear, was limited but Canales called him 'very optimistic' to play in the opener.

Pat Jones II's back-injury timeline will shape Carolina's pass-rush rotation for weeks.

Jonathon Brooks' workload split with Chuba Hubbard could grow if the groin holds.

Jaelan Phillips' snap count jumps immediately — an early return look on his big contract.

Panthers owner David Tepper reaffirms belief in Bryce Young ahead of opener

Tepper publicly doubled down on Young as Carolina's long-term QB answer ahead of Sunday's home opener vs. Chicago, despite Young's 0-3 career record in Week 1 games.

Panthers to open season without starting linebacker Pat Jones II

Jones is ruled out with a back injury for Sunday's opener, pushing Princely Umanmielen, Trevis Gipson and Thomas Incoom into expanded roles.

David Tepper's public vote of confidence in Bryce Young.

Depth players stepping up at outside linebacker with Pat Jones II out.

Panthers starting OLB Pat Jones II to miss season opener vs. Bears

Jones (back) was ruled out for Sunday; coach Dave Canales said the team does not expect him to play as Umanmielen, Gipson and Incoom see expanded roles.

Owner David Tepper still backs Bryce Young for "multiple" Super Bowls, no long-term deal yet

Young enters year four without an extension after leading Carolina to the 2025 NFC South title; he is 0-3 in career Week 1 games.

Panthers swap OLBs on practice squad: sign Jeremiah Moon, release Cam Gill

Minor edge-rusher depth move confirmed off the club's own transaction ledger.

Pat Jones II's back injury thins Carolina's pass rush for the Bears opener.

David Tepper again backs an unextended Bryce Young entering year four.

Panthers hand Lee Hunter, Bobby Okereke starting roles on first Week 1 depth chart

A rookie defensive tackle and a free-agent linebacker addition headline turnover on Carolina's first regular-season depth chart ahead of the opener at Chicago.

A retooled front seven (Hunter, Okereke) gets its first test on the road at a longtime measuring-stick, Chicago.

New LB Bobby Okereke debuts in practice as Panthers manage camp injuries

Okereke lined up next to Devin Lloyd with the first-team defense; Chuba Hubbard and Xavier Legette returned to practice ahead of the Bears opener.

Panthers get a bonus practice day, finalize Okereke signing before hosting Chicago

Carolina blended competitive reps with Bears-specific scout work and formally completed Okereke's signing as it enters year three of the Dave Canales era.

Okereke's arrival next to Devin Lloyd reshapes the linebacker corps right before Week 1.

Panthers enter 'regular season mode' with O-line depth, secondary competition among top questions

Of four backup offensive linemen on the active roster, only Stone Forsythe has started an NFL game; Brady Christensen (Achilles) is on IR. CB Corey Thornton lost the nickel battle to Chau Smith-Wade and rookie Will Lee III.

Tepper Foundation commits $3.4M more to no-cost eye care across the Carolinas

The expansion brings the Tepper Foundation's Vision To Learn giving past $5.2 million since 2019, adding Raleigh-Durham and Greenville-Spartanburg to existing Charlotte and Charleston programs.

Panthers to wear blue for home opener vs. Bears, black six times in 2026

Carolina will wear blue three times, black six times and white eight times in 2026; the home opener against Chicago is a blue-jersey game.

Thin O-line depth behind four backups is the swing factor up front.

Panthers sign RB Ahmani Marshall to practice squad as backfield thins out

Carolina added RB depth after Trevor Etienne's IR move left just three RBs on the 53; starters Hubbard and Brooks have each been banged up recently.

Panthers sign Charlotte native Torricelli Simpkins off Saints' cut list

OL Torricelli Simpkins, a Charlotte-area product, signed to the practice squad after being cut by division-rival New Orleans.

Panthers set initial 53-man roster, two starters on PUP

T Ikem Ekwonu and DT Tershawn Wharton both open the season on Reserve/PUP; RB Trevor Etienne and LB Bam Martin-Scott on IR-DFR.

Backfield thinning after Etienne's IR move pushes Panthers to add RB depth.

Two O-line practice-squad adds reflect ongoing depth-building up front.

Ekwonu and Wharton both open the season on PUP.

Panthers backfield takes shape as Dillon settles in, Waller ramps up

With RB Trevor Etienne on IR, veteran signing AJ Dillon is adding a downhill element behind Chuba Hubbard, while TE Darren Waller took first-team reps in full pads; RB Jonathon Brooks is considered on track for Week 1 despite more held-out practice time.

Tetairoa McMillan enters Year 2 chasing a playoff win, not stats

After a Rookie-of-the-Year-caliber season (70 catches, 1,014 yards, 7 TDs), WR Tetairoa McMillan added 20 pounds this offseason and says his focus is on winning a playoff game, not individual numbers.

How Carolina's crowded backfield (Hubbard, Dillon, Brooks) sorts out snaps is an open Week 1 question.

Panthers cut camp standout WR Ja'seem Reed

Carolina waived Ja'seem Reed, who led all Panthers backups with 2 preseason touchdowns and 84 receiving yards, leaving McMillan, Coker, Legette, Horn, Tremayne and Metchie as the six receivers on the roster.

Charlotte native Torricelli Simpkins signed to practice squad

Carolina signed hometown product Torricelli Simpkins — an Olympic High School and NC Central/South Carolina product cut by New Orleans — to the practice squad alongside fellow NC Central alum OL Corey Bullock.

Bobby Okereke debuts, Haynes King kept as No. 3 QB

New LB Bobby Okereke lined up with the first-team defense in his first practice alongside Devin Lloyd; Carolina is carrying Haynes King as a third quarterback, and Jimmy Horn Jr. and John Metchie III are fielding punts after Trevor Etienne's IR move.

Bobby Okereke's first practice alongside Devin Lloyd sets the tone for a retooled linebacker corps.

Punt-return job open after Trevor Etienne's IR move, with Horn and Metchie in the mix.

Panthers' surprise cut — WR Ja'seem Reed waived as receiver depth chart sets

Reed had 2 touchdown catches and 84 receiving yards (third on the team) in the preseason but was waived as Carolina settled on six receivers behind Tetairoa McMillan.

Panthers set initial 53-man roster; Ekwonu, Wharton land on PUP

Carolina placed OT Ikem Ekwonu and DT Tershawn Wharton on Reserve/PUP and OT Taylor Moton on Reserve/NFI ahead of the Sept. 13 home opener against Chicago.

Panthers set initial 53-man roster with trade, two PUP placements on O-line

Carolina traded a 2028 sixth-round pick to the Chargers for DT TeRah Edwards and placed T Ikem Ekwonu and DT Tershawn Wharton on PUP and RT Taylor Moton on NFI, all out at least four games.

Panthers make surprising cut of camp standout WR Ja'seem Reed

Reed caught two touchdowns in three preseason games but lost the numbers battle to John Metchie III; Carolina now carries six receivers and Reed is seen as a likely practice-squad return if he clears waivers.

Trevin Wallace released as Panthers settle second inside-linebacker job with Bobby Okereke signing

The 2024 third-round pick was unable to lock down the job opposite Devin Lloyd; Carolina had signed veteran Okereke on Aug. 29 to address the position.

Panthers add veteran LB Bobby Okereke, waive seven ahead of cutdown

Carolina signed 30-year-old LB Bobby Okereke (three years as a Giants captain, 805 career tackles) after a preseason-long competition between Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus for the spot next to Devin Lloyd. The same day, the Panthers waived six players and waived/injured a seventh.

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Panthers finish preseason 3-1 with defensive-turnover clinic in 16-13 win over Texans

Carolina's defense forced four turnovers at home (Lathan Ransom INT, Cam Gill fumble recovery, Cam Miller INT, Jeremiah Moon forced fumble) with neither team playing starters. RB Miles Davis scored the go-ahead fourth-quarter touchdown and Ryan Fitzgerald hit three field goals.

Panthers' deep WR room turns into cutdown headache — eight candidates for six or seven spots

With McMillan, Coker and Legette locked in, Carolina is choosing among David Moore, Ja'seem Reed, Brycen Tremayne, Jimmy Horn Jr. and John Metchie III for the remaining spots. Metchie led the team in preseason receiving (11 catches, 129 yards, 1 TD); the decision is complicated further by whether the team keeps three QBs or four running backs.

Waller, Nick Scott, AJ Dillon hit Charlotte radio after Panthers' final joint practice

The trio joined WFNZ's Mac & Bone Show after Wednesday's joint practice with Houston (tonight's finale opponent), with Waller discussing his early impressions of Bryce Young and Scott discussing the DB room's depth under DC Ejiro Evero.

Waller still working into rotation as Panthers set depth chart for preseason finale vs. Texans

The Aug. 24 depth chart is unchanged from the Jaguars game; free-agent TE Darren Waller remains near the back of a crowded tight-end room as he ramps up after his first padded practice.

Darren Waller debuts in pads as Panthers weigh workload for preseason finale

The newly acquired TE got his first live look in a Carolina jersey; OLB Nic Scourton and rookie WR Chris Brazzell II also returned to the facility for the first time since offseason surgery.

WR Xavier Legette misses preseason game with foot/ankle injury

Legette had his ankle 'rolled up on' in Wednesday practice and sat out Friday's game; HC Dave Canales said there's no clear return timeline.

Panthers WR corps depth tested by Legette injury

Canales explains Jaguars joint-practice scuffles

HC Dave Canales went on record about the physicality that produced multiple scuffles in the Aug. 19 joint practice with Jacksonville, ahead of tonight's preseason game between the two clubs.

Panthers-Jaguars joint practice turns chippy with multiple scuffles

Carolina and Jacksonville's Aug 19 joint practice in Jacksonville produced multiple fights, including one after a hit on a crossing route; no punches were thrown. The two clubs meet in preseason Week 2 two days later.

Panthers fall 29-14 at Buffalo as the starters manage 11 yards

Bryce Young went 3-of-5 for 18 yards and the first-team offence produced three straight three-and-outs behind a line missing both projected starting tackles and both starting guards. Kenny Pickett went 16-of-19 for 92 yards with a touchdown and Kyle Trask added a 9-yard scoring pass to John Metchie III.

Ja'Seem Reed scores again and wins over all three Panthers quarterbacks

The undrafted receiver, who spent 2025 on the practice squad, has now caught touchdowns in both preseason games and from two different quarterbacks. Dave Canales credited him for bouncing back from a camp drop to make a contested goal-line catch.

Offensive line unavailability is masking any read on Bryce Young

Ja'Seem Reed forcing his way into a thin receiver room

Free-agent defenders Phillips and Lloyd producing against starters

Ekwonu and Moton both out, Moton with a blood clot

Panthers set Bryce Young-Pickett-Trask rotation for preseason opener at Buffalo

Dave Canales confirmed Young will take 10-20 snaps, Kenny Pickett takes over into the third quarter and Kyle Trask finishes. Undrafted rookie Haynes King will not play with a hamstring injury.

Chuba Hubbard week-to-week with hamstring; Jonathon Brooks in line to start

An MRI confirmed Hubbard's hamstring injury. Jonathon Brooks, back from a second ACL tear that cost him all of last season, will split first-team reps with Trevor Etienne.

Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus in friendly battle for starting job next to Devin Lloyd

Canales praised the mutual respect between the two homegrown linebackers competing for the spot alongside free-agent addition Devin Lloyd.

Panthers preparing to add veteran TE Darren Waller on a one-year deal

Carolina plans to sign the 33-year-old former Pro Bowler, who caught five passes for 78 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers last season while with Miami. The deal was not finalized as of Thursday.

Chuba Hubbard's hamstring and Jonathon Brooks's return from a second ACL tear

The linebacker job next to Devin Lloyd