Panthers Starter Suffers Concerning Injury Setback Before Week 14 Game

The Carolina Panthers are coming off another heartbreaking loss at home, this time to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since second-year quarterback Bryce Young returned to the starting lineup in Week 8, the Panthers have played better on both sides of the ball.

However, Carolina has another tough test awaiting them. On Sunday, the Panthers will travel to the City of Brotherly Love to play the Philadelphia Eagles. 

The Eagles have won eight consecutive games, thanks to a stifling defense and dynamic ground attack led by star running back Saquon Barkley. The Panthers’ defense will have its hands full as they’ve struggled to stop the run, allowing a league-worst (166.8 yards per game).

Carolina hopes to have starting linebacker Josey Jewell for Sunday’s game, but the latest injury report is not good.

Panthers News: Josey Jewell Downgraded to DNP at Thursday's Practice

Jewell was given a DNP tag on Thursday after being a limited participant at Wednesday’s practice session. The veteran linebacker was listed with a hamstring injury.

The veteran linebacker missed three games earlier this season because of groin and hamstring injuries. Therefore, to see the hamstring injury reappear is not a good sign. 

In nine games this season, Jewell has recorded 71 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass deflections, two sacks, and two fumble recoveries. 

Despite missing some time due to injury, the veteran defender has fared well in pass coverage, sporting an 83.5 pass rating allowed when targeted and only giving up one touchdown. Carolina hopes Jewell can practice on Friday. 

But if he doesn’t practice, the Panthers could insert second-year linebacker Claudin Cherelus into the starting lineup for Sunday’s game. Carolina head coach Dave Canales will also watch out for veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who has been a DNP for the last two days with a knee injury.

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