Panthers rule out five players, including four starters against the Rams in Week 13
The Panthers will be without a handful of contributors against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.
The team ruled out cornerback Jaycee Horn (concussion), center Cade Mays (ankle), guard Chandler Zavala (calf) and linebackers Claudin Cherelus (concussion) and Christian Rozeboom (hamstring/hip) on Friday, according to head coach Dave Canales.
The team will also be without starting safety Tre’von Moehrig, who had his one-game suspension upheld following an appeal process with the league on Wednesday. Moehrig was suspended for a low blow punch to 49ers wideout Jauan Jennings late in Monday’s 20-9 loss to San Francisco.
What all these injuries mean for Panthers vs. Rams
With Horn still in concussion protocol, the Panthers will lean on Mike Jackson and Chau Smith-Wade as their primary outside cornerbacks. When the team goes to nickel coverage, the defense could bring Akayleb Evans onto the field to play outside, while Smith-Wade shifts to his typical spot in the slot.
The team signed journeyman Robert Rochell off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad on Wednesday, so he could also factor into the depth as well.
Mays is set to miss a second consecutive game after sustaining an ankle injury in Week 11. Veteran Austin Corbett is expected to handle the starting center spot again against the Rams. With Zavala out, the Panthers will most likely count on Jake Curhan to replace him at right guard. Curhan previously performed well in fill-in duty against the Green Bay Packers in a 16-13 win on the road in Week 9.
Trevin Wallace will return to the starting lineup at inside linebacker. But with Rozeboom still nursing multiple injuries and Cherelus in the league’s concussion protocol, the Panthers will need reinforcements opposite Wallace.
The team promoted veteran Krys Barnes from the practice squad to the 53-man roster earlier in the week, and he is expected to start next to Wallace. The team also has rookie Bam Martin-Scott and special teams ace Maema Njongmeta to serve as depth.
What’s the plan at safety with Moehrig suspended?
Moehrig’s absence will open up opportunities for the younger safeties on the roster.
Rookie Lathan Ransom is likely to be Moehrig’s immediate replacement at starting safety opposite veteran Nick Scott. Second-year defensive back Demani Richardson could then fill in for Ransom with three-safety looks.
The Panthers signed former Clemson standout and Arizona Cardinals first-round pick Isaiah Simmons to the practice squad earlier in the week.
Canales said Simmons is expected to be elevated for the game against the Rams to play special teams and provide support on defense, as he can play both safety and inside linebacker.
