With the NFL’s longest active losing streak in hand, the Carolina Panthers don’t deserve to have any benefit of the doubt at the moment. But a handful of inactives on their opponent’s side have given them exactly that this afternoon.
Following news of who will be on the sideline for the New York Giants, the Panthers have now been moved to 1.5-point favorites for the Week 2 matchup. Carolina entered the week as 2.5-point underdogs to the host G-Men.
Those G-Men will be down quite a few men, particularly on defense. New York has ruled out—most notably—rookie defensive end and 2022 first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, starting outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari and starting cornerback Aaron Robinson.
Joining that trio will be defensive backs Nick McCloud and Jason Pinnock, wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson and offensive tackle Tyre Phillips.
Carolina fared much better in the active/inactive department. They will have wideout Shi Smith, who is expected to return punts on the day, in uniform.
