All the optimism around the Carolina Panthers seems to be diminishing. A 1-2 start to the year isn't ideal, but the number of troubling injuries head coach Dave Canales is dealing with is far more concerning.
The Panthers have faced one setback after another, losing several influential figures again this week. With the long-term absences of Tershawn Wharton, Taylor Moton, Ikem Ekwonu, Nic Scourton, and Chris Brazzell II, the loss of firepower could have big-time ramifications if others don't step up.
With that in mind, here are four Panthers who must grow up quickly to keep injury issues from denting their chances of mounting an NFC South title defense this season.
Carolina Panthers players who must grow up quickly amid their growing injury crisis
Corey Bullock, OL
Damien Lewis was the Panthers' best-performing offensive lineman by a considerable margin this season. Unfortunately, a UCL injury to his elbow will now rule him out for several weeks. Canales is hopeful he can get back after the bye week, but it still leaves a massive void.
With Lewis out, Corey Bullock will get his chance to start. He was claimed off waivers after failing to make the Baltimore Ravens' roster this summer, and even though he's an unknown quantity, he has the athleticism and power to potentially make a difference.
Bullock might never get a better chance to showcase what he can do. And if he makes the most of it, the Panthers would be wise to keep him around beyond 2026.
Cam Jackson, DL
Bobby Brown III is struggling to stay healthy this season. The imposing interior defensive lineman has a bulging disc in his back that is causing him discomfort. He may not be out for long, but everyone else may have to pick up the slack until it fully heals.
Cam Jackson is an interesting case. He was inactive in Week 1. He got some action in Week 2 and played well. Unfortunately, he was a healthy scratch again last weekend, which seemed strange in the circumstances.
Brown is clearly not at 100 percent, though he was spotted stretching with the squad to start practice this week. But if the same problems emerge, the Panthers might turn to Jackson.
Will Lee III, CB
The Panthers will be without Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr., arguably the league's best cornerback tandem. This is a devastating setback that leaves those in power scrambling for answers. And Will Lee III is now thrust into a prominent role.
Lee has been getting a lot of work with the first-string defense when Horn moved into the slot. Now, he's probably CB1, which is a lot to ask of a fourth-round selection with only three NFL games under his belt.
After a difficult debut, Lee has shown signs of life over the last fortnight. Covering some of the NFL's most prolific wideouts without Horn and Jackson is a different challenge entirely, so there's no telling how he will fare.
Brycen Tremayne, WR
Canales said wide receiver Xavier Legette is week-to-week with a knee injury, just as momentum was building for the No. 32 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. It's a wait-and-see scenario, but the Panthers need someone else to fill the void until he returns.
That someone might be Brycen Tremayne.
The Stanford product took full advantage of extra reps in Week 3, catching four passes on six targets for 83 receiving yards. Tremayne has been tabbed as a special-teams ace, but he's also got the size and speed to make a difference downfield with Legette out of the lineup.
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