Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as yet another injury came to light for a defense on its knees?
The Carolina Panthers cannot seem to catch a break right now. Even though the team is currently enjoying some prolonged rest on their bye week, another injury complication emerged that comes with underlying ramifications attached.
That's exactly what the Panthers didn't want at this juncture, but they just have to roll with the punches. Before then, the topics generating column inches include Jeremy Chinn's prognosis, selling assets at the trade deadline, Miles Sanders' potential role moving forward, and a surprise trade for Adam Thielen being touted by the media.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers dealt Jeremy Chinn blow
As if things couldn't get worse for the Carolina Panthers, reports emerged that do-it-all defender Jeremy Chinn could miss up to six weeks with a quad complication. While the former second-round pick has been used sparingly within Ejiro Evero's 3-4 base scheme, it represents a blow considering how thin on the ground this team is on the defensive side of the football.
Of course, this comes with lingering implications. Chinn was one of the names being touted as a potential trade candidate before the deadline, with Jeremy Fowler of ESPN hinting that the Philadelphia Eagles could make a play for the athletic specimen to bolster their chances of contention.
That doesn't appear likely right now given this latest development. And with Chinn out of contract next spring, it remains to be seen whether or not he'll play any sort of role before a big decision comes regarding his future.
Carolina Panthers RB Miles Sanders' role
Frank Reich handing over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown comes with significant intrigue attached. The Carolina Panthers offense has been mundane at best over the first six games, so having new ideas from a branch on the Sean McVay coaching tree should open things up from a creativity standpoint if nothing else.
After all, what do the Panthers have to lose at this point?
One player that could see an upturn in production is Miles Sanders. The running back hasn't been at his best through six weeks, but groin and shoulder issues coupled with not playing to his strengths behind a suspect offensive line mean his poor form comes with mitigating factors attached.
When discussing Sanders' role moving forward, team writer Darin Gantt hinted that Brown will look to devise concepts that maximize his skill set. If he fails to meet expectations, then Chuba Hubbard has already proven more than capable of shouldering a heavy load.
"With his [Thomas Brown] background in the Rams running game, there's a way to use backs like [Miles] Sanders in space, to tap into his gifts as a pass-catcher, and to allow him to use his burst outside. There's a way to create a combination of the two. Last year with D'Onta Foreman and Hubbard, you just had two slam-it-up-in-there guys. You also had an offensive line that was talented, healthy, and most importantly, cohesive. The Panthers haven't enjoyed that this year. So my suspicion is they'll try to blend the things that Sanders is good at with the line in its current state and create ways for him to succeed. If not, Hubbard showed he's capable of carrying the mail, and he's continued to work on his own pass-catching and pass-protecting in case they can't find the right mix."Darin Gantt, Panthers.com
Hopefully, Sanders comes back in relatively full health after the bye week. But if the Penn State product does reassume lead-back duties, he'll be on an extremely short leash.
Carolina Panthers to sell at the trade deadline?
While fans are clamoring for the Carolina Panthers to get rookie quarterback Bryce Young another weapon before the trade deadline, that's not reality. The team is currently 0-6 and staring down another lost season, so it comes as no surprise to see reports of those in power looking to sell off assets and boost their draft capital with no first-round selection to call upon currently.
This was a sentiment echoed by Kevin Patra from Around the NFL. The writer named Carolina as a team that could part ways with some established stars, with Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu, Jeremy Chinn, and Terrace Marshall Jr. listed as those that should be on the block.
"Change is already on its way in Carolina, with coach Frank Reich handing over play-calling duties to OC Thomas Brown. More could be coming for the winless Panthers heading toward the trade deadline. Without a first-round pick and currently holding just six total selections in 2024, Carolina should look to replenish now. Brian Burns, who is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason, would be the biggest trade chip. While moving the pass rusher would be a significant dent to the Panthers’ D, it could be their best way to recoup a high pick. Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn also have expiring deals, although Chinn's reported injury likely kills his trade value. Terrace Marshall Jr., a 2021 second-round pick, has not been productive despite the Panthers’ limited receiver corps, catching just 16 passes entering Week 7."Kevin Patra, NFL.com
The problem that general manager Scott Fitterer has is the Panthers don't have many stars that could generate significant draft wealth. Burns and Luvu are foundational defensive pieces and Chinn is currently out, but Terrace Marshall Jr. seems much more realistic given how things are currently unfolding for the wide receiver in Year 3 of his professional career.
Trade scenario touted for Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen
The Carolina Panthers don't have enough prolific pass catchers right now. That's playing a significant role in their offensive failings, but there is one shining light amid the turmoil.
Adam Thielen has been a revelation since joining from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. The veteran wide receiver is putting up Pro Bowl-caliber numbers and although the Panthers are relying on him too much, it's a necessary evil given the failings elsewhere.
Thielen's route-running remains among the league's best and his chemistry with Bryce Young is right where it needs to be. This means he's indispensable to the signal-caller's development currently, but that didn't stop Cory Woodroof of USA Today Sports from touting a potential trade for the wideout before the deadline.
Woodroof outlined that if he was part of the Baltimore Ravens set-up, he would call Carolina to see what it might take to land Thielen. Especially considering the need to surround Lamar Jackson with dependable weapons en route to a potential deep playoff run.
"Thielen might not be as explosive as he used to be, but he’s coming off a 107-yard, one-touchdown performance against a good Detroit Lions team. The Panthers are 0-6, and they need to start thinking about what the future of this offense is going to look like. Keeping around a veteran like Thielen doesn’t make much sense in that equation. If you’re Baltimore, you call Carolina and offer, say, a young receiver in Rashod Bateman and a low-round pick for Thielen. The Panthers get a young receiver who could use a change of scenery to pair with Young, and Thielen gets to go to a contender that could use his veteran savvy."Cory Woodroof, USA Today Sports
This should be a non-starter. Thielen is too important to the Panthers and if he was to leave through trade or injury, there's just no telling how poor this passing attack would look.