An unsung hero of the Carolina Panthers defense has returned just in time.
As announced by the team on Thursday afternoon, just a few hours ahead of kickoff for tonight’s matchup against the Chicago Bears, outside linebacker Marquis Haynes Sr. has been activated. The sixth-year defender, who missed the first eight games of the season with a back injury, was designated to return from injured reserve earlier this week.
Carolina will already be without a slew of edge rushers for their Week 10 outing. Two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns has already been ruled out due to a concussion while Justin Houston (hamstring) and Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring) are currently on injured reserve.
Haynes Sr. finished with a career-high 5.0 sacks last season, the third-highest total on the unit. He also recorded bests in combined tackles (29), tackles for a loss (seven), quarterback hits (13) and passes defensed (four).
In addition to Haynes Sr., the Panthers are also carrying fellow outside backers Amaré Barno and DJ Johnson on their active roster.
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