Panthers Have Key Players Out and Questionable for Week 3

The Carolina Panthers could be without multiple key players as they take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 3.

The Panthers have already listed Devin Lloyd, Claudin Cherelus, and Nick Scott as out, while Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette are questionable.

Lloyd will be a major loss for the defense this week, as he was one of their big free-agent signings this offseason. He inked a three-year, $45 million deal and has had a major impact in his first two games, recording 22 total tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, three pass deflections, and two interceptions, including one that he returned for a touchdown.

The 27-year-old linebacker sustained a calf injury in Carolina's Week 2 win over the Atlanta Falcons. The Panthers will miss his presence on defense, and it will put more on Bobby Okereke and their depth to step up.

Cherelus is typically part of the depth in Carolina's linebacker room, but he will also be out with a shoulder injury.

Safety Nick Scott will be another key loss for the Panthers' defense in Week 3 after exiting with a rib injury in Week 2. Scott is a starting safety for Carolina, as he has eight total tackles and a fumble recovery in the 2026 season.

On offense, the Panthers could be without two of their top weapons, with Coker and Legette both questionable.

Coker is off to a great start to the 2026 season, with 16 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns. He is poised to post career numbers and remain one of Bryce Young's top targets. However, he is dealing with an ankle injury and could miss the game against the Browns. Coker participated in practice on Friday but remains questionable for Sunday.

Another receiver banged up for Carolina is Legette, who's dealing with a knee injury. Legette did not have a catch in Week 1, but played well in Week 2 against the Falcons, catching two passes for 64 yards.

If the Panthers are without Coker and Legette, it will put more pressure on reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan to have a strong performance. McMillan is off to a strong start in 2026, with 10 receptions for 176 yards. 

Tight end Darren Waller could also be a key factor in Carolina's passing game after catching two touchdowns in Week 2.

The Panthers are off to a 1-1 start to the season and look like they could compete for a second straight NFC South Title, but it could be a tough matchup against Cleveland with their injuries on both sides of the ball.