Carolina Panthers Making Key Decision on Two Injured Players

The last time we saw the Carolina Panthers on the field was Week 4 on Sunday Night Football, when they beat the Detroit Lions to move to 2-2. It was a big win for Dave Canales and his team, getting a big home win to go into the bye week. 

And during that bye week, things went as good as they could have for the Panthers in terms of other NFC South teams.

Even with Tampa Bay getting their first win of the season against Dallas, both Atlanta and New Orleans lost. That means Carolina stays in first place with their 2-2 record. 

The Panthers are now preparing for a trip to Philadelphia to face off against a weak Eagles team that just lost in London to the Jacksonville Jaguars. It's a very winnable game for the Panthers here out of the bye and they could be getting healthy soon too. 

Carolina has been hit by injuries big time this season, seeing several players go downand miss key time. But this week, they should be getting a big boost of news. 

On Monday, head coach Dave Canales told reporters that the team will designate right tackle Taylor Moton and defensive tackle Tershawn “Turk” Wharton to return to practice.

Both have been on the PUP list this season, missing every game so far. By opening the 21-day practice window, the Panthers now have three weeks to add them to the 53-man roster or end their season by putting them on injured reserve. 

With Wharton out, the Panthers have turned to rookie Monroe Freeling. He's had some bad rookie moments early but that was to be expected in a way. Still, with a veteran like Wharton hopefully coming back soon, it should bolster that offensive line to protect Bryce Young and get the run game going.

On the other side of the ball, the addition of Wharton will help sure up some things on the line. The Panthers have struggled up front at times this season and it was clear they were missing Wharton to start the season.

While there was good news on both of those players, the Panthers are still missing some key players as well. Among them is running back Jonathon Brooks and defensive backs Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn. Both Horn and Jackson are expected to be out for the long term. 

Wide receiver Jalen Coker has also missed time and there has been no update on his status, although Canales hinted last week that he could return out of the bye.