An early bye week usually stinks for NFL teams, but it clearly rescued the Carolina Panthers’ battered roster, with a host of key players now back in practice for their showdown against the Eagles. After a training camp and four-week start that saw guys dropping like flies, this week off was exactly what the doctor ordered, and now the Panthers are looking a lot closer to full strength.
Panthers Get Crucial Bodies Back On The Field
The biggest news out of Carolina has to be Taylor Moton, their right tackle, hitting a full practice session. This dude was battling a blood clot in his lungs that kept him out all through training camp and the first few weeks of the season, and it was pretty scary stuff. His return could not be better timed, especially since rookie Monroe Freeling, who has been filling in, wasn’t at practice to start the week and has been taking a beating out there. It’s a massive boost for their offensive line.
On the defensive side, Tershawn Wharton is also back in full practice after offseason neck surgery. He’s been hammered by injuries since joining Carolina, so hopefully, this means he’s finally healthy and can get some momentum going. We also saw Damien Lewis and Jaelan Phillips back at limited practice, which is great to see. Lewis seems more likely to suit up this week than Phillips, given their injuries, but even having them back out there is a good sign. Plus, Trevor Etienne and Thomas Incoom are making their returns from injured reserve, adding some much-needed depth and special teams help. Etienne might even get some carries if AJ Dillon can’t go. And hey, Jalen Coker seems totally good to go after getting banged up a couple times before the bye.
Meanwhile, The Eagles Are Down Their Big Guns
While the Panthers are patching themselves up, the Eagles are looking pretty banged up themselves, especially among their star players. Saquon Barkley and Devonta Smith were both DNPs to start the week, nursing hamstring and hamstring/toe injuries respectively. Those are two huge weapons potentially off the field, which could absolutely change the complexion of this game.
They also have Michael Carter II (abdomen), Will Shipley (foot), Drew Kendall (knee), and Jalyx Hunt (knee/ankle) out of practice, too. On the limited side, Marquise Brown is dealing with an ankle issue. So, yeah, this is not a healthy Eagles team rolling into this matchup.
So, when the Panthers hit the field against the Eagles, it won’t be the same hobbled squad we saw before the bye. This game could be a serious test for Philly, and a huge chance for Carolina to show what they can really do when healthy. Keep an eye on that Panthers O-line with Moton back, and how they handle the Eagles’ defensive front, especially if Philly is missing key guys.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Cat Scratch Reader.
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