Panthers Get Optimistic Outlook on 2 Injured Players

The Carolina Panthers are atop the NFC South with a 3-2 record despite dealing with several injuries at key parts of the roster. 

The Panthers appear to be trending toward winning a second consecutive division championship thanks to the play of quarterback Bryce Young, who has taken a big leap in a contract season.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Panthers should have a couple of key reinforcements for the secondary in the latter part of the season. Cornerback Jaycee Horn was placed on injured reserve with a quad injury. Cornerback Mike Jackson was placed on injured Reserve with a groin injury. Both are expected to play in the second half of the season.

Fowler noted the Panthers are impressed by what they've seen from Will Lee III and Akayleb Evans, thrust into a difficult situation with Jackson and Horn out. Carolina has had some luck of the draw in quarterback battles. The Panthers took advantage of the Philadelphia Eagles starting Tanner McKee in Week 6. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could start Jalen Daniels again this week unless Baker Mayfield is ready to return from his thumb injury.

The Panthers’ defense overall isn't one of the better units in the league. They rank No. 25 in yards allowed per game (354.2). That number could be better when their top corners return, and could set up Carolina to finish the season strong as the rest of the NFC South plays catch up.

With that being said, Sunday's game against the Buccaneers is crucial for Carolina. The Buccaneers, sitting at 1-5, have shown fight despite having a start to the season hardly anyone in the league thought could, let alone would, happen. The Panthers could pretty much slam the door on Tampa Bay's season by knocking the Buccaneers to 1-6. 

However, a loss by the Panthers would suddenly put the Buccaneers in the mix for the NFC South. The Panthers have two difficult games upcoming after Week 7, when they travel to play the 4-2 Green Bay Packers on "Thursday Night Football" before hosting the 4-2 Denver Broncos on Nov. 8, just two days before the trade deadline.

The next few weeks will be critical for the Panthers and Young. While Young has played well so far this season, he was drafted to lead Carolina to wins through patches like this. In a few weeks, his defense should be able to better share the burden.