Let’s take a look at some of the injuries the Carolina Panthers have dealt with throughout the 2026 NFL season, looking at both sides of the ball and who is out short- and long-term.
The Panthers enter Week 7 with a 3-2 record and will face their divisional rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at home on Sunday as they aim to maintain their hold on first place in the NFC South.
Carolina suffered a major blow to its secondary when both starting cornerbacks, Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, were injured during the Panthers’ Week 3 loss to Cleveland. Horn suffered a quadriceps injury, while Jackson suffered a groin injury that required surgery, landing both corners on injured reserve. Neither injury is considered season-ending at the moment, and both players are expected to return later in the season.
The Panthers have also dealt with some significant injuries on the offensive side, with running back Jonathon Brooks being placed on injured reserve after he re-aggravated a groin injury in Week 2 and wide receiver Xavier Legette also being placed on IR with a knee injury. Both players remain on injured reserve heading into Week 7, and it’s still unclear when we’ll see them back in action.
There’s also been a lot of movement along the offensive line since before the season began. Right tackle Taylor Moton was sidelined after suffering a pulmonary embolism in June but recently made his return against the Eagles last week after missing the first five games of the season.
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu has yet to play a game in 2026 and remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, while offensive lineman Brady Christensen was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury in early September.
Defensively, the Panthers have also been without outside linebacker Nic Scourton, who was placed on injured reserve before the season and is expected to miss the entire year.
Carolina ruled out two outside linebackers Friday in Jaelan Phillips and Thomas Incoom. Neither practiced all week, and they are sidelined with hamstring and calf injuries, respectively.
Tackle Monroe Freeling practiced fully Wednesday through Friday but still received a questionable designation due to a knee injury.
The Panthers did receive some positive news regarding quarterback Bryce Young, who was a full participant throughout the week despite dealing with a knee injury. Running back A.J. Dillon also practiced fully, and neither player carries an injury designation heading into Sunday.
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