Overview
- Head coach Dave Canales confirmed Friday that Mathis suffered an ACL tear and will miss the entire season.
- Mathis was claimed off waivers from the Broncos on August 27 and was in the final year of his rookie contract.
- Carolina is expected to choose between placing him on season-ending injured reserve or negotiating an injury settlement.
- With Mathis sidelined, the cornerback group is led by Jaycee Horn with depth from Michael Jackson, Akayleb Evans, Chau Smith-Wade and Corey Thornton.
- The Panthers have roughly $14 million in cap space, making a low-cost veteran addition possible with options such as Kendall Fuller, Mike Hilton or Stephon Gilmore still unsigned.