Panthers Rule Out Linebacker Bobby Okereke For Week 10 Game At Saints

The Carolina Panthers ruled out linebacker Bobby Okereke for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, Darin Gantt of Panthers.com reported.

Okereke, who has a foot injury, sat out every practice session this week ahead of the trip to New Orleans. Sunday will be the second game in a row he has missed for Carolina.

He was the only player the Panthers ruled out on their Friday injury report.

Outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips and cornerback Will Lee III are both listed as questionable with hamstring injuries. Phillips was a full participant in Friday's practice, while Lee was limited.

Phillips played 17 games in 2025, recording 5 sacks, 53 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss and 14 quarterback hits.

He split that season between Miami and Philadelphia, starting nine games for Miami and eight for Philadelphia. Phillips has 28 sacks across 63 career games.

Left guard Lewis practiced fully Friday with a knee injury and has no injury designation for the game.

Four players in their practice windows to return from injured reserve also carry designations. Brady Christensen, hamstring, and Xavier Legette, knee, are questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Cornerback Mike Jackson and running back Jonathon Brooks are listed as doubtful, with each player dealing with a groin injury. Both were limited throughout the week and spent practice working with the scout team.

All remaining players were full participants in Friday's practice and carry no injury designation.

Carolina and New Orleans both come into Sunday's game with 3-5 records. Whichever team wins will lead the NFC South alone once Week 10 ends.

Todd Wash will serve as the Panthers' interim defensive coordinator for the second game in a row.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has been sacked 26 times this season. Saints defenders Chase Young and Carl Granderson have combined for 15.5 sacks, with 8 and 7.5 sacks, respectively.

Carolina ranks No. 4 in passing offense, while New Orleans ranks No. 28 in pass defense.

New Orleans center Erik McCoy was among the players who missed practice Wednesday for the Saints.

The Saints have won five of the last six games between the teams. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 15, on Fox.

Young has 2,197 passing yards and 16 passing touchdowns on the season. He's completing 60.4% of his passes and has thrown six interceptions. 

Young is making $12.1 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option is worth a guaranteed $25.9 million. Carolina picked it up in the offseason.

The Panthers didn't sign Young to an extension in the offseason, so he has to play well again this season to earn one next offseason.