Patrick Jones II was sorely missed with a back injury against the Chicago Bears. His status for this weekend's divisional clash versus the Atlanta Falcons is in doubt, but the Carolina Panthers need him back quickly.
Their run defense could depend on it.
Jones was working on the side during the first two days of practice this week. That doesn't say much about his status for the Falcons, but it is at least a step in the right direction.
Carolina Panthers desperately need Patrick Jones II back on the field soon
And after what happened in Week 1, Carolina needs all the help it can get along the defensive front.
The Panthers allowed the Bears 291 rushing yards and gave up six scores on the ground in an embarrassing capitulation. It was the third most rushing yards Carolina has ever allowed in a game.
Princely Umanmielen made his first career start against Chicago and recorded a sack. But the Ole Miss product was a complete liability against the run, and the Bears had no trouble exploiting this weakness.
Umanmielen has plenty of upside. However, the Panthers don't have the luxury of waiting for every young player to figure things out at the same time.
That's where Jones becomes important.
The veteran has already adjusted to Carolina's defense, and the Panthers have seen what he can bring when healthy. Before signing with Carolina, the former Pittsburgh standout recorded seven sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and nine tackles for loss for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
Carolina Panthers run defense cannot rely upon Princely Umanmielen
The difference is that Jones brings experience that Umanmielen simply doesn't have yet. He is also a far superior run defender.
His current injury is especially important to monitor, with second-year edge rusher Nic Scourton already lost for the season after suffering a torn ACL on the first day of training camp.
That matters even more after a Week 1 performance in which the Panthers struggled to set the edge and consistently stop Chicago's rushing attack.
The Panthers don't need Jones to suddenly become a double-digit sack player. They need him to be reliable, especially against the run. And the flashes before his back injury last season suggest he can do that when healthy.
A bigger issue is also at play.
Carolina entered the season expecting Scourton to handle a significant role opposite Jaelan Phillips. Instead, his campaign ended before it began, forcing the Panthers to lean more heavily on players who weren't necessarily expected to carry that workload.
Umanmielen now has an opportunity to establish himself. Phillips will remain one of the defense's most important pass rushers. Trevis Gipson and others can contribute.
But Jones gives Ejiro Evero another experienced option who has already played meaningful NFL snaps.
The Panthers need their veteran back. Sooner rather than later.
Add us as a preferred source on Google