Carolina Panthers Release Inactives for Week 1 vs. Chicago Bears

The Carolina Panthers are ready to open up the 2026 NFL season on Sunday as they host the Chicago Bears. It's a matchup of two teams that won their divisions in the NFC a year ago and are now looking to take a big step forward. 

That starts on Sunday as the two teams will meet in Week 1 for the first time in both team's history.

As we get set for kickoff, both teams have released their inactives for the game. For Carolina, tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders is among the inactives, which isn't a surprise considering how many tight ends the team has on the roster. 

Sanders was a topic of trade talks for the past few weeks or so, especially after the team signed veteran Darren Waller. 

Below is the list of full inactives for the Panthers: 

King will serve as the emergency third quarterback for the Panthers behind both Bryce Young and Kenny Pickett. Hopefully, Carolina won't have to get to that point. 

For Chicago, they have also released their inactives as well. The inactives are led by former Panthers safety Xavier Woods who was slotted to start alongside rookie Dillon Thieneman at safety. But an injury during the week in practice had Woods as limited and now he won't play. 

Here are the full inactives for the Bears: 

Bagent will serve as the emergency third quarterback for the Bears on Sunday as he's the primary backup to Caleb Williams. However, he also suffered an injury in practice and will miss the game. Veteran Case Keenum is now the backup quarterback for the Bears in this game.

Miller Moss was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday.

The two teams are looking to get off to a great start this season and this should be a big test for both teams. 

Kickoff between the Bears and Panthers is slated for 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on FOX.