The Carolina Panthers have dealt with some crippling injury problems throughout the season so far. And just as momentum peaked after beating the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Dave Canales is dealing with another absence.
And it's a big one.
Canales confirmed that big-money edge rusher Jaelan Phillips has already been ruled out of Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a hamstring issue. He could have waited until later in the week, but it needs attention now.
Jaelan Phillips' injury leaves Carolina Panthers with another gaping hole to fill
With the team also without 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton, their previously strong edge options are dwindling.
The Panthers identified Phillips as their top free-agent target this offseason. They had to spend big to land him on a four-year, $120 million contract with $80 million guaranteed. It was a lot of money, but he's made a considerable impact so far.
Phillips is making his presence felt against the run. He is generating pressure consistently. While he only has 2.5 sacks and 10 tackles, the 2021 first-round pick out of Miami is doing a lot of good work that doesn't show up on the stat sheet.
Losing him now couldn't be more poorly timed, either.
The Panthers have a crucial divisional matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's a chance to pile more misery on their 1-5 rivals, and it's a short week after that before traveling to the Green Bay Packers for Thursday Night Football.
Jaelan Phillips faces a race against time for Carolina Panthers' prime-time clash
Canales didn't completely rule out Phillips for a quick turnaround, acknowledging that the player will no doubt be pushing to suit up. However, both he and general manager Dan Morgan will also be keeping the bigger picture in mind with their prized asset.
"We're going to be right there with him; we're going to test him. We'll get him out there and make sure that we get him as strong and as fit and healthy as possible, because it's a long season. And if he's able to turn it around and show up on Thursday night, great. For me, for Dan (Morgan, the general manager), it's our job, it's like we've got to think about this game, and then we think about, 'OK, what's, what's the full window look like, and how can we get him out there strong.'"
Rushing Phillips back would not be smart.
Hamstring injuries have a habit of flaring up again if they aren't given enough time to heal. And considering how much the pass-rusher relies on quick-twitch explosiveness, erring on the side of caution is crucial.
Until then, as it has been for the Panthers all season, it's next man up.
With Phillips out, veteran Patrick Jones II and second-year pro Princely Umanmielen will start. Thomas Incoom and Trevis Gipson Sr. become more important to the defensive rotation, and Canales has already confirmed that Nick Hampton will be elevated from the practice squad.
That might suffice for Week 7. But if Phillips' issue lingers, Morgan may decide to seek outside help with a veteran free agent or even a possible trade.
That's to be determined. But for now, the Panthers will just have to cope without Phillips.
Hopefully, it won't be for too long.
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