Tag: xavier woods

Panthers’ biggest needs heading into the 2025 offseason

The Panthers have quite a few needs for 2025, and most of them reside on the defensive side of the ball.

Despite missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, the Carolina Panthers took a refreshing step forward in 2024.

They went from two wins in 2023 to five wins this year, they won’t be going forward with a different head coach and, perhaps most importantly, they may very well have their franchise quarterback in Bryce Young.

But this seedling is going to require some more water before it really starts budding next fall.

So for the Panthers to keep growing, they’ll have to address these needs during the offseason . . .

What are the Panthers’ biggest needs for 2025?

1. EDGE

All things considered, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney had himself a pretty decent campaign. But when your best pass rusher is an 11th-year veteran who recorded 5.5 sacks, you probably need some more firepower.

Carolina is fresh off allowing the most points ever in a single season (534), and their punchless pass rush certainly played a part in that dubious honor. The Panthers notched just 32 sacks, tied for the third-fewest in 2024.

Other than rostering Clowney off the edge, the unit does have D.J. Wonnum—who gave a fine account of himself in his shortened season. But this defense needs a certifiable sack artist, one who can free up Clowney more often and push Wonnum into a more suitable role as a rotational presence.

2. DL

If Carolina suffered mightily from their lack of pressure, then their run defense might tell the pass rush to hold its beer.

The Panthers relinquished a ridiculous 179.8 rushing yards per game, by far the most in the NFL. To put that number into perspective—the next closest team, the New Orleans Saints, allowed 141.4 rushing yards a contest.

This unit will certainly get a boost from the return of Pro Bowler Derrick Brown, who went down for the season after tearing his meniscus in Week 1. He will, however, need some upgrades beside and behind him.

3. DB

Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller and Nick Scott combined to account for 83.1 percent of Carolina’s snaps amongst safeties. All three are slated to become free agents this offseason.

Cornerback Mike Jackson, maybe the most pleasant surprise of the year, is also looking for a new contract. If he walks, the Panthers would definitely need a new No. 2 to pair with Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn.

But even if they were to retain at least some of those guys, the Panthers need more playmakers in their secondary. Their nine interceptions were tied for the fifth-fewest in the league.

4. ILB

All three of Carolina’s top inside linebackers—Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace—had their seasons abbreviated by injuries. By the time Weeks 17 and 18 rolled around, the Panthers were forced to entrust the middle of their defense to special teamers and practice-squad members.

The outlook is still cloudy entering 2025. Thompson will be a free agent coming off an Achilles tear, Jewell wasn’t always a reliable tackler and Wallace is still learning the position.

5. WR

It wouldn’t be a Carolina Panthers offseason if we didn’t bring up the need for a wideout.

While Young took a very encouraging step in his development over the season’s last 11 weeks, he shouldn’t taking his next one with a 35-year-old Adam Thielen as his best target. And although Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker flashed at times as rookies, neither are likely to grow right into the No. 1 receiver Young should have for 2025.

6. TE

There’s a similar conundrum at the tight end position.

2024 fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders looked quite solid . . . in spurts. He, like Legette and Coker, is not a surefire solution at the moment.

Plus, Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas are headed to free agency.

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Panthers Week 17 injury report: Taylor Moton, Jaycee Horn doubtful

The Panthers are pretty banged up heading into their Week 17 matchup against the Bucs.

The Carolina Panthers may be down a handful of key contributors in Week 17.

Right tackle Taylor Moton, who did not participate in practice throughout the week due to a knee injury, has been listed as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If he cannot go, Yosh Nijman will get his third start of the campaign.

Cornerback Jaycee Horn is also considered doubtful for the contest with a hip issue.

The defense will definitely be down linebacker Josey Jewell and nickel cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, both of whom have already been ruled out.

Here’s the full injury report from Friday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OT Taylor Moton Knee DNP DNP DNP Doubtful
CB Chau-Smith Wade Illness/chest DNP DNP DNP Out
CB Jaycee Horn Hip DNP DNP DNP Doubtful
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest/Knee DNP Limited Limited Questionable
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Knee/elbow Full DNP Limited Questionable
OT Ikem Ekwonu Shoulder Full Full Full –
C Cade Mays Illness Full Full Full –
ILB Josey Jewell Quadriceps/concussion Full DNP DNP Out
WR Xavier Legette Hip/wrist Full Limited Limited Questionable
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee/illness Full Limited DNP Questionable
OLB D.J. Wonnum Shoulder/knee Full Limited Limited Questionable
QB Bryce Young Hamstring Full Full Full –
G Damien Lewis Illness/ankle DNP Limited Questionable
OLB Amaré Barno Knee Limited Limited –
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited Limited –
TE Tommy Tremble Shoulder/back Limited Limited –
OLB Cam Gill Illness DNP Limited Questionable

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Panthers’ Chuba Hubbard, Adam Thielen limited in Thursday’s practice

The Panthers had quite a lengthy injury report on Thursday, one that included RB Chuba Hubbard and WR Adam Thielen.

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard and wide receiver Adam Thielen were both limited for Thursday’s practice.

Hubbard, who was down as non-participant for Wednesday on a rest designation, has now been listed with a knee injury. The fourth-year back was awarded NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance from this past Sunday’s 36-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Thielen was added to report this afternoon with a hamstring issue.

The Panthers, in addition, were without four key starters—left guard Damien Lewis (illness), right tackle Taylor Moton (knee), outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (knee/elbow) and cornerback Jaycee Horn (hip).

Here’s today’s full listing:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OT Taylor Moton Knee DNP DNP
CB Chau-Smith Wade Illness DNP DNP
CB Jaycee Horn Hip DNP DNP
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest/Knee DNP Limited
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Knee/elbow Full DNP
OT Ikem Ekwonu Shoulder Full Full
C Cade Mays Illness Full Full
ILB Josey Jewell Quadriceps/hamstring Full DNP
WR Xavier Legette Hip/wrist Full Limited
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee Full Limited
OLB D.J. Wonnum Shoulder/knee Full Limited
QB Bryce Young Hamstring Full Full
G Damien Lewis Illness/ankle DNP
OLB Amaré Barno Knee Limited
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited
TE Tommy Tremble Shoulder/back Limited
OLB Cam Gill Illness DNP

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Panthers QB Bryce Young listed on initial injury report for Week 17

Panthers QB Bryce Young was listed on Wednesday’s injury report (which is actually based on Tuesday).

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young rounded out the team’s injury report for Wednesday . . . which is actually based on Tuesday.

With the guys getting Christmas Day off, head coach Dave Canales and company hit the practice field yesterday—where Young was dealing with a hamstring injury. But the second-year passer, who is fresh off a three-touchdown performance in Carolina’s 36-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals, was listed as a full participant.

Wide receiver Xavier Legette, who missed the overtime victory due to a hip injury, was also a full participant.

Here’s the full injury report for Wednesday (or Tuesday):

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OT Taylor Moton Knee DNP
CB Chau-Smith Wade Illness DNP
CB Jaycee Horn Hip DNP
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Knee Full
OT Ikem Ekwonu Shoulder Full
C Cade Mays Illness Full
ILB Josey Jewell Quadriceps/hamstring Full
WR Xavier Legette Hip/wrist Full
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee Full
OLB D.J. Wonnum Shoulder/knee Full
QB Bryce Young Hamstring Full

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Panthers Week 16 injury report: WR Xavier Legette out vs. Cardinals

As expected, the Panthers will be without 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette in Week 16.

As expected, the Carolina Panthers will not have their 2024 first-round pick on the field against the Arizona Cardinals.

Wide receiver Xavier Legette has been ruled out for the team’s Week 16 outing due to a hip injury. The rookie did not participate in practice throughout the week after making an early exit from last Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Fellow rookie pass catcher Jalen Coker, who was limited on Thursday and Friday with a lingering quadriceps issue, has been listed as questionable. He led the Panthers with a career-high 110 receiving yards in Week 15.

Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and right guard Robert Hunt are also questionable due to illnesses.

Here’s the full injury report from Friday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Illness/knee DNP Limited Full Questionable
S Sam Franklin Jr. Neck/personal DNP Full Full –
S Xavier Woods Rest DNP Full – –
WR Xavier Legette Hip DNP DNP DNP Out
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest DNP Full – –
OLB D.J. Wonnum Rest/knee DNP Limited Full –
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP Limited Full –
WR Adam Thielen Rest DNP Limited – –
CB Jaycee Horn Rest DNP Limited Full –
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee DNP Limited DNP Questionable
WR David Moore Concussion Limited Limited Full Questionable
RB Raheem Blackshear Chest Full Full Full –
G Robert Hunt Illness DNP DNP Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP – –
WR Jalen Coker Quadriceps DNP Limited Questionable
OT Ikem Ekwonu Illness Limited Questionable

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Panthers WR Jalen Coker pops up on injury report as limited for Thursday’s practice

Panthers rookie WR Jalen Coker has joined the team’s Week 16 injury report.

Carolina Panthers wideout Jalen Coker has joined an already-crowded Week 16 injury report.

The rookie receiver was considered a limited participant for Thursday’s practice ahead of this weekend’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Coker was listed with a quadriceps injury, which sidelined him for the three games prior to his Week 15 return.

That outing, which ended in a 30-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, saw the 23-year-old go for a career-high 110 receiving yards. Coker’s 83-yard touchdown before the half was the longest play of the 2024 season for the Carolina offense.

In addition, rookie wideout Xavier Legette missed his second straight session with a hip injury.

Starting right guard Robert Hunt was also out with an illness.

Here’s the full report from today:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Illness/knee DNP Limited
S Sam Franklin Jr. Neck/personal DNP Full
S Xavier Woods Rest DNP Full
WR Xavier Legette Hip DNP DNP
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest DNP Full
OLB D.J. Wonnum Rest/knee DNP Limited
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP Limited
WR Adam Thielen Rest DNP Limited
CB Jaycee Horn Rest DNP Limited
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee DNP Limited
WR David Moore Concussion Limited Limited
RB Raheem Blackshear Chest Full Full
G Robert Hunt Illness DNP
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP
WR Jalen Coker Quadriceps DNP

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Chuba Hubbard, Adam Thielen among 10 Panthers held out from Wednesday’s practice

10 Panthers were listed as non-participants for Wednesday’s practice.

The Carolina Panthers—who may be dealing with a bug, according to head coach Dave Canales—pretty much took a collective rest/sick day this afternoon.

10 players were held out from Wednesday’s practice, six of which were listed with rest designations. The bunch includes running back Chuba Hubbard, wide receiver Adam Thielen, linebacker Josey Jewell and cornerback Jaycee Horn.

Rookie wideout Xavier Legette, who seems unlikely to suit up this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals, also did not participate due to a hip injury. Legette made an early exit from the Week 15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Here’s the full injury report from Wednesday:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Illness/knee DNP
S Sam Franklin Jr. Neck/personal DNP
S Xavier Woods Rest DNP
WR Xavier Legette Hip DNP
RB Chuba Hubbard Rest DNP
OLB D.J. Wonnum Rest/knee DNP
ILB Josey Jewell Rest DNP
WR Adam Thielen Rest DNP
CB Jaycee Horn Rest DNP
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee DNP
WR David Moore Concussion Limited
RB Raheem Blackshear Chest Full

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Panthers All-22 film review: The good and bad from Week 15’s loss to the Cowboys

Despite a disappointing loss, the Panthers got some encouraging performances out of a few young studs in Week 15.

Week 15 proved to be a letdown for the Carolina Panthers, who came into Sunday’s contest against the visiting Dallas Cowboys as the betting favorites. After three straight weeks of near-upsets against playoff-bound squads, the Panthers faltered in a disappointing 30-14 loss.

At 3-11 and now officially out of playoff contention, we can start to peek ahead at the offseason—where the roster should be met with a few crossroads. This latest defeat proved that there’s still some remodeling to be done moving forward.

So, let’s dive into the All-22 film to identity some faults and, for you positive folks out there, highlight a few standout performers . . .

Jaycee Horn’s Pro Bowl season

If you were to look strictly at the box score for the former eighth overall pick, his one interception may not lead you to believe that he’s having a career campaign. But the film shows us an all-around impactful presence, both against the pass and the run.

Horn is currently has 64 total tackles and 15 stops, which is tied for the most amongst all cornerbacks this season. His technique in run support is teach-tape for young corners across the league and sport.

And not to mention, he’s been used on corner blitzes and racked up his second sack of the season on Sunday afternoon.

Against the Cowboys, his skill set in coverage was on full display. He offered patience in his backpedal when playing man coverage and showed aggressiveness at the catch point. He’s one of the best in the league at staying in phase with high-level instincts in zone coverage and spacing.

Unfortunately, Horn rarely shadowed wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and his comments in the locker room about playing within the scheme, despite wanting to defend the All-Pro pass catcher, were eye-opening. This has further fueled the debate around his defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero, and his future in Carolina.

Horn has been healthy all season, a rarity for the previously injury-riddled defender. He has proven not only to be a worthy representative for the Panthers in the upcoming Pro Bowl Games, but also one of the elite players at his position.

Change is needed at safety

During training camp, it looked like the Panthers’ safety room was the best position group on the roster. But that’s not been the case during the regular season.

Carolina’s run defense will likely end on a historically bad note, as they’re allowing nearly 30 more rushing yards per game than the next closest unit. Yet, an underrated issue that has plagued the bunch has been the inconsistent play from safeties Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller.

Both have shown serious miscommunication on the backend that has led to big plays for opposing offenses—and that was the case against Dallas. A below-average quarterback—Cooper Rush in this case—looked like an average passer when targeting Woods and Fuller due to their bad positioning and mismatches.

Woods and Fuller are free agents this offseason—and for a defense that is likely to see a near or complete revamp, they’ll likely be looking for new teams in 2025. The Panthers desperately need quality play on the backend from their safeties, especially if Evero is to return next season.

Jalen Coker’s Career Day

One of the few bright spots from Sunday’s loss was the career day from undrafted free agent Coker, who caught four passes for 110 yards and touchdown. That output was highlighted by this, the longest play of the year for the Panthers offense . . .

Coker has become a key part of the offense and was missed in the three games he sat due to a quad injury. Even as a first-year player, he has a veteran savviness that allows him to play the game smoothly and efficiently.

Outside of Adam Thielen, he is one of the best route runners on the roster and has an advanced feel for the open grass around him. Plus, Coker’s ball skills are right alongside the veteran receiver’s for the best on the team.

The 23-year-old has emerged as a potential staple for Carolina’s offense in 2025. While he may not be someone to lean on as the No. 1 guy, having a big No. 2 or 3 target to trust on longer down-and-distances will be beneficial for what the unit will look like next year.

Woeful day for the Panthers OL

Despite a great season from the unit overall, Carolina’s stout offensive line had their worst day of the season, by far. In the second half alone, they gave up six sacks and in what was seemingly a flashback to last year’s debacle of a line.

If you thought the entire offensive line struggled, that’s because it did—especially on the left side with tackle Ikem Ekwonu and guard Damien Lewis. Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer did an excellent job disguising pressure and making sure his players maintained rush integrity and discipline.

During the entire second half, it seemed like the Panthers’ front five was losing reps consistently—whether it was not getting deep enough into their sets or not establishing a firm anchor at the point of attack.

The Panthers have been more consistent offensively this season because of their wins in pass protection. None of that was on display Sunday.

With this group, this may have been a one-off game. However, this is something to keep an eye on as the season approaches its end.

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Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb on controversial hit from Panthers S Xavier Woods: ‘You gotta come a little harder than that’

Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb on hit from Panthers S Xavier Woods: “I feel like these guys are definitely trying to put their best hit on me.”

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb knows that his injured shoulder is fair game as he continues to step onto the field every week. But he also seems to think that the Carolina Panthers fell short of playing that game here in Week 15.

Sunday saw Lamb’s Cowboys dominate the slightly-favored Panthers to the tune of a 30-14 victory. The win included a temporary speed bump for the All-Pro pass catcher, who took the following hit from Carolina safety Xavier Woods . . .

Despite what appeared to be a clean shoulder-to-shoulder shot, Woods was charged with an unnecessary roughness penalty.

Lamb, following the victory, was asked about absorbing hard contact throughout what was a chilly afternoon.

“I feel like . . . it’s a well-known thing that my shoulder’s hurting, so I feel like these guys are definitely trying to put their best hit on me,” he replied. “I mean, you gotta come a little harder than that.”

He was then asked specifically about Woods, who was teammates with Lamb in Dallas from 2019 to 2020.

“I mean, I played on his team for a couple years, so I know what he’s capable of,” he said. “That was a good hit by him, but they need to bring a little more.”

Well, Lamb certainly brought more.

He finished the outing with nine receptions for 116 yards, both game-highs, and a touchdown.

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Panthers Week 12 injury report: WR Adam Thielen expected to play vs. Chiefs

Panthers WR Adam Thielen is expected to make his return in Week 12.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young should have his safety net back here in Week 12.

According to head coach Dave Canales, wide receiver Adam Thielen (questionable) is expected to play in this Sunday’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 11th-year veteran, who has missed the last seven games due to a hamstring injury, led the team in receptions (103) and receiving yards (1,014) in 2023.

Canales and crew are also expecting rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (questionable) to make his NFL debut in the contest. Brooks, Carolina’s second-round selection from the 2024 draft, tore his ACL last November.

Kicker Eddy Piñeiro (questionable), per Canales, will suit up as well. Canales told reporters that Piñeiro tweaked his knee while celebrating his walk-off kick against the New York Giants in Week 10.

Here’s the week’s final injury report in its entirety:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
RB Miles Sanders Ankle DNP DNP DNP Out
G Damien Lewis Illness DNP Limited Full –
DL A’Shawn Robinson Rest DNP Full Full –
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Knee DNP Limited Full Questionable
OLB Amaré Barno Knee Limited DNP Limited Doubtful
LT Ikem Ekwonu Ankle Limited Limited Full –
CB Jaycee Horn Calf Limited Limited Limited –
DL LaBryan Ray Hand Limited Full Full Questionable
WR Adam Thielen Hamstring Limited Limited Limited Questionable
S Xavier Woods Shoulder Limited Limited Full –
OLB DJ Johnson Concussion Full Limited Full Questionable
RB Jonathon Brooks Knee Full Full Full Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP Full –
OLB D.J. Wonnum Quadriceps Limited Full Questionable
K Eddy Piñeiro Left knee Limited DNP Questionable
WR Jalen Coker Quadriceps DNP Questionable

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