Carolina Panthers: Actives/inactives vs. Falcons in Week 8

Who’s in and who’s out for the Carolina Panthers as they get set for a Thursday Night Football encounter against the Atlanta Falcons?

The Carolina Panthers round off the first half of their 2020 season with a game against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football. Matt Rhule’s men can get themselves back to a .500 record through eight games with a second victory of the campaign over their NFC South rivals, which would be considered a really big step in the right direction following an unprecedented offseason of personnel and coaching changes.

There is set to be plenty of wide receiver talent on show for both sides during what promises to be a fascinating encounter. The Carolina Panthers go into the contest as slight favorites after an encouraging display at the New Orleans Saints that ended with a narrow defeat. But the fact they are mixing it with so many of the NFL’s big-hitters this early in Rhule’s tenure is further proof the team is heading in a positive direction under the former Baylor man.

Taking the Falcons lightly will end up costing them. They look a much-improved outfit since getting rid of head coach Dan Quinn, which came as a result of their Week 5 loss to the Panthers.

Atlanta might have come into this game unbeaten under interim coach Raheem Morris had it not been for another complete lack of mental strength that saw them collapse at home to the Detroit Lions last time out. But overall they showed plenty to suggest they might just be a little bitter than their 1-6 record.

There was some good and bad news on the injury front for the Panthers. They will be without the services of veteran left tackle Russell Okung, who suffered a calf strain in New Orleans that he was unable to recover from on a short week. Greg Little will get another chance to prove himself as the team’s long-term option at the position in the Super Bowl winner’s absence.

Carolina’s struggles within their interior protection were there for all to see at the Saints. But they should be more assured thanks to the return of experienced veteran John Miller, who has done well since signing a one-year, $4 million deal in free agency.

Carolina Panthers: Inactives vs. the Falcons

• QB Will Grier
• DB Sean Chandler
• G Mike Horton
• T Russell Okung
• DT Zach Kerr