There’s only one Derrick Brown. And unfortunately for the Carolina Panthers, it seems as though they won’t be having him for quite some time.
On Monday morning, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero was first with the news of Brown’s knee injury—one that could potentially end his 2024 campaign. The setback is just the latest pill to swallow from yesterday’s horrendous season-opening performance, where the Panthers took a thorough 37-point beating courtesy of the New Orleans Saints.
Head coach Dave Canales spoke with reporters this afternoon and confirmed the injury, stating that Brown will seek a second opinion before moving forward. Canales was also asked about who will have to step up in Brown’s place.
“Yeah, so, we got [Jayden] Peevy up. We have LaBryan Ray on the roster, who’s looked stronger and stronger,” he said. “The next guy’s gotta pop up there and we’re counting on all those guys—Nick Thurman, as well—we’re counting on all those guys to play with great fundamentals and to just do their job, do their part.”
Brown did a lot of parts last year, setting an NFL single-season record for most tackles by a defensive lineman (103). The first-time Pro Bowler hardly left the field during his historic showing, playing in 89.1 percent of Carolina’s defensive snaps in 2023.
Despite sustaining a meniscus tear some time during Sunday’s game, Brown had plenty of work in Week 1 as well—accounting for a 90.9-percent presence in the 47-10 defeat. Canales said Brown and the team have been unable to pinpoint exactly when the injury occurred.
Nonetheless, they’ll have to keep their season moving—even if it’s without big No. 95.
“Yeah, definitely a huge loss,” Canales later added. “He’s one of our best players. That’s big shoes to fill. But at the same time—we get players in there, I want them to know and be encouraged. Like, if you go in there and you play with great technique and you just do your job, we don’t need you to make the special plays that Derrick makes. Just do your job.”
