CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers will be without at least two more key contributors, inside linebacker Josey Jewell (concussion/quadriceps) and rookie nickel Chau Smith-Wade (illness/chest), for Sunday’s Week 17 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
There could be more, considering the number of NFL players who were listed as doubtful Friday: Amaré Barno, Jadeveon Clowney, Cam Gill, Jaycee Chuba Hubbard, Damien Lewis, Taylor Moton, Xavier Legette, A’Shawn Robinson and D.J. Wonnum.
Coach Dave Canales expected four starters to dress Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, including Clowney, Hubbard, Legette and Robinson.
“All of them will go,” Canales said after Friday’s rainy practice. “It’s about availability. Just trying to get guys on the field. Getting a feel for, you know, can they execute at the level they are capable of?”
If Moton (knee) is unable to play, five-year veteran Yosh Nijman could get the start, Canales said.
Horn could be a game-time decision.
“We’ll check in on him to see where we are at,” Canales said.
With Smith-Wade also sidelined, Dane Jackson likely will get the first look in the slot against the Bucs, but reserves Caleb Farely, Akayleb Evans and Shemar Bartholomew could see expanded snaps.
“This will be another great for Dane to show what he can do,” Canales said. “It’s all based on the availability of Jaycee.”
@Panthers OL work during Friday’s #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/tJgcixZwfB
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 27, 2024
More Changes At ILB
The Panthers are facing more problems on the second layer of defense. Already without three top inside linebackers, Shaq Thompson, Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus, Canales confirmed Friday veteran Jewell (concussion) was ruled out Sunday and will be replaced by recent signee Chandler Wooten.
Undrafted rookie Jacoby Windmon, who led the team with eight tackles in his first NFL start last Sunday, will start alongside Wooten in the 3-4 base defense. A regular with the Panthers since 2022, Wooten spent a short time on the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad before re-signing Tuesday. Special-teams ace Jon Rhattigan will serve as
The Panthers have struggled with run defense all season. They rank last allowing 175.2 yards per game, The Bucs rank seventh in rushing with 143.7 yards per game.
“It’s communication, right?” Canales said. “It’s all the variables, all the situational things that come up throughout the course of a week. When you play a type of scheme, there are things that people try to challenge you with, and so it’s about getting those guys up to speed on these different situations. Here’s what they’re trying to attack.
“That’s getting all that communicated and being ready for all the different variables is the greatest challenge.”
@Panthers escape #NFL practice Friday. … pic.twitter.com/FPtl5nVmSk
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 27, 2024
