After a silent trade deadline, the Carolina Panthers are continuing forward with their season without any major additions. However, reinforcements are on their way.
Injuries have decimated the Panthers on both sides of the ball this season. But they're close to getting a few key starters back as early as this weekend against the New Orleans Saints, bolstering the roster ahead of a favorable three-game stretch.
The return of these players could help ease the tension toward head coach Dave Canales while sparking a morale-changing run that could set the tone for the rest of the season.
Key starters returning could make Carolina Panthers a much more dangerous team
On Wednesday, the Panthers opened the 21-day practice windows for running back Jonathon Brooks (core muscle), wide receiver Xavier Legette (knee), and cornerback Mike Jackson Sr. (groin), all of whom have been full participants in practice this week.
While all three may not play this weekend, the injury report was as encouraging as it had been all season.
Star edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury, was a limited participant at practice on Thursday, as was guard Damien Lewis, who has missed the last two weeks with a knee injury. Rookie cornerback Will Lee III (hamstring) was a full participant.
Versatile offensive lineman Brady Christensen could make his season debut this week in New Orleans. Suddenly, the Panthers are getting better and healthier at a critical juncture.
Carolina has lost three straight games, exposing significant issues along the offensive line. Two of those losses led to the firing of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and pass game coordinator Jonathan Cooley.
Carolina Panthers' reinforcements could help Bryce Young when he needs it most
Last week's game against the Denver Broncos brought some serious heat toward Canales for his lack of criticism of some brutal officiating.
The return of several of these key starters, even in the immediate future with Phillips, Lewis, and Lee, makes Carolina a much better group. Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn may also return in a few weeks, just in time for either Monday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thanksgiving weekend or the following game against the Minnesota Vikings.
In this upcoming five-game stretch, the Panthers also play the Saints twice and a battered Baltimore Ravens team that could be trending downwards. There is renewed confidence that Carolina can get back on track during this stretch, thanks to a healthier roster and Bryce Young's growth.
Young has had some great games for Carolina this season, and his case is being made for a massive contract extension this offseason. It's time for the rest of the team to show up and give his performances the podiums they deserve.
The combination of improved health and Young's could give Carolina the boost they need to get back into serious contention and stand out in a lowly NFC South.
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