Carolina Panthers face mounting injuries ahead of Week 7 matchup

The Carolina Panthers enter Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season with a 3-2 record, facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers amidst a significant wave of injuries. The team's secondary remains depleted, as starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson remain on injured reserve following injuries sustained in Week 3.

On the offensive side, running back Jonathon Brooks and wide receiver Xavier Legette are both on injured reserve. The offensive line has also seen instability; while right tackle Taylor Moton recently returned from a pulmonary embolism, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu remains on the physically unable to perform list, and Brady Christensen is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

For the upcoming game against Tampa Bay, the Panthers have ruled out outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips due to an aggravated hamstring and tight end Thomas Incoom due to a calf injury. To address these absences, the team has elevated Nick Hampton from the practice squad and activated Bam Martin-Scott from injured reserve.