The Carolina Panthers’ defense has been hit with an overwhelming series of injuries this season, and it shows no signs of letting up. Rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace, who had been thrust into a larger role due to the team’s defensive struggles, had performed decently in his increased responsibilities. However, he has now been placed on season-ending Injured Reserve with a shoulder injury and will require surgery.
This injury is a significant setback for a defense that was already considered weak and has suffered a continuous stream of key injuries. Wallace’s backup, Claudin Cherilus, also went down during last Sunday’s game and has been placed on IR for the remainder of the season, leaving the linebacker corps dangerously thin.
The Panthers lost veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson earlier this season to a torn Achilles, creating an opportunity for Wallace to step up. Josey Jewell has been a reliable presence but is also dealing with an injury. With Wallace and Cherilus both unavailable this Sunday, the Panthers will rely on Jacoby Windmon and Jon Rhattigan, a special teams player, to fill the void alongside Jewell. This situation adds to a long list of defensive injuries this season, including Derrick Brown, Thompson, DJ Wonnum, and A’Shawn Robinson.
With the Arizona Cardinals and their powerful run game coming to town, the Panthers’ already depleted defense faces a tough challenge ahead.