After a stunning letdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Carolina Panthers will try to flush their recent 30-point loss down the toilet as they prepare for Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers.
At Lambeau Field, head coach Dave Canales led the Panthers to one of his signature victories. While a low-scoring affair could take place again, the focus is on how to improve the team within the roster when no moves are expected anytime soon.
Carolina has been reluctant to take advantage of teams selling their rosters ahead of the trade deadline in two weeks, likely because of current cap restraints. This means playing players who haven't been as impactful lately but could help now.
Having this in mind, here are three players who could help the Panthers and Canales secure a big road win in prime time against a solid Packers team.
Carolina Panthers players who must get more reps against the Green Bay Packers
Corey Thornton, CB
Akayleb Evans should never see the field as a starter again, and if you need evidence, look at two of the last three games.
Evans may not play this week with a triceps injury. Canales called him "day-to-day" and noted that Corey Thornton could be a potential replacement for Thursday night. He was an impressive rookie in 2025 as an undrafted free agent before a broken fibula ended his season.
Still on the practice squad, he could be called up against the Packers as a clear upgrade at the position opposite rookie fourth-rounder Will Lee III.
Lathan Ransom, S
We might be inching toward benching Nick Scott, and it could happen this week against the Packers. The veteran was horrific in run support against the Buccaneers, which could mean that patience is wearing thin.
Ransom could be ready, and he'd be a starting safety with rookie Zakee Wheatley, who would take Scott's spot on the depth chart, while Tre'von Moehrig plays big nickel.
The former Ohio State standout is arguably the most physical hitter on the roster. He flies to the football and has shown great aggression that you can live with in these moments.
Trevor Etienne, RB
While he was featured more last week, running back Trevor Etienne showed value as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He can create after the catch and give Chuba Hubbard some much-needed relief when needed.
However, after David Moore's muffed punt, Etienne should be playing more as the return specialist on kicks and punts. He looked more comfortable than ever handling those duties compared to last season as a rookie.
Etienne still matters to the Panthers' offense and special teams. Look for him to be more involved in the return game while being a check-down valve for quarterback Bryce Young in relief efforts.
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