Panthers' Defense Hit Hard by Season-Ending Injuries to Key Players

Linebacker Shaq Thompson and defensive end Derrick Brown are out for the season, adding to Carolina's defensive struggles.

Shaq Thompson tore his Achilles tendon in the Panthers' recent loss to the Bengals and will undergo surgery soon.
Fellow linebacker Josey Jewell is also sidelined with groin and hamstring injuries, leaving the defense further weakened.
The Panthers' defense has allowed a league-worst 32.3 points per game and is struggling with tackling and stopping the run.
Rookies Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus will step in as starters, with only six career tackles between them.
Carolina's offense shows promise with Chuba Hubbard's strong rushing performance, but overall team struggles persist.