One of the key storylines of the Carolina Panthers' season has been battling injuries that started as far back as the playoffs 10 months ago.
The Panthers may be getting healthier with the return of starting right tackle Taylor Moton and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton. Yet every week, a key starter or role player gets knocked out by an injury.
This week, standout edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who has battled a hamstring injury since Week 4, is out against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and potentially beyond.
Carolina Panthers should explore trade possibilities amid ongoing injury concerns
Phillips's absence this week, and potentially Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers, may heighten the urgency to make a move at edge rusher as the trade deadline approaches.
When the Panthers lost their star cornerback duo of Mike Jackson Sr. and Jaycee Horn for the foreseeable future, it was certainly concerning. However, I'm more concerned with potential losses up front, which are the pinnacle of the system deployed by defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Losing Phillips for potentially the next two contests is a big blow.
He is one of the most well-rounded players on the roster and a complete defender with pass rush, run defense, and coverage ability when asked. Carolina may be able to manage, but it will be tricky.
Second-year edge rusher Princely Umanmielen still struggles as a run defender at times, and down-to-down consistency could be better in those moments. Patrick Jones II is a quality run defender and high-effort rusher, but gets bogged down from time to time.
Trevis Gipson Sr. provides reliable depth, but special teams ace Thomas Incoom may not play this weekend with a calf injury.
Dan Morgan's trade reluctance must change with Carolina Panthers building momentum
After losing Nic Scourton on Day 1 of training camp to a torn ACL, the Panthers could find another one-on-one winner at outside rush linebacker. Especially since there is no guarantee the Texas A&M product will be the same player when he returns.
Again, Carolina could manage in the short term, but general manager Dan Morgan could look at the trade market for help, breaking a long-standing stance since he was hired in 2024.
Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu is a potential option, especially if the 0-6 program decides to sell. He is in the final year of his contract and is a well-rounded defender, but he would be costly. Morgan might not want to get that aggressive.
New York Jets' Will McDonald IV is a fan favorite in the final year of his rookie deal, but he wouldn't be as costly as Tuipulotu. Philadelphia Eagles' Nolan Smith could be an option if they begin to sell, though he's expensive.
One player I could see being moved, and the Panthers could have interest in, is Indianapolis Colts' Laiatu Latu. He has 2.5 years of contract control, including the fifth-year option, as the AFC South club could be careening toward selling numerous assets in a lost season.
The issue is Morgan's stubborn value in draft capital, which is fair given his recent draft-class production.
The Panthers have some time to navigate this issue. It is not a dire concern, but it could be one down the stretch if the injuries keep piling up.
Add us as a preferred source on Google