CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers are close to full strength heading into Sunday’s NFL trip to New Orleans, with only one player on the active roster sitting out Thursday’s practice.
Linebacker Bobby Okereke sat out again with the foot problem that cost him last week’s game. Two starters were held to limited work: edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who has a sore hamstring, and left guard Damien Lewis, who is managing a knee injury. Both had been marked as full participants Wednesday, but that day was only a walk-through, so the listing was a projection.
Cornerback Will Lee III, who missed last week with a hamstring injury, took full part, as did every other player on the report.
The game carries real weight in a crowded division. Carolina and New Orleans are both 3-5, all four division clubs have exactly three victories, and Carolina still sits first despite falling 26-21 to Denver last week. New Orleans arrives with momentum after edging Cleveland 23-22 in overtime.
History favors the home side. Carolina has not won in New Orleans since Jan. 8, 2023, trails the all-time regular-season series 29-33 and is 1-5 against the Saints with Bryce Young at quarterback.
The Saints will be without starting center Erik McCoy after a biceps injury, and running back Travis Etienne Jr. remains on injured reserve. Their pass rush is a concern for Carolina, with 23 sacks so far, 11th in the league.
On offense, New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough averages about 248 passing yards a game with 14 touchdown passes and six interceptions, and receiver Chris Olave ranks seventh in the NFL at 91.8 receiving yards per game. The Saints picked up running back Audric Estimé off waivers on Nov. 3, and he ran for 72 yards and a touchdown in his first game back.
For Carolina, a win would put distance between the Panthers and the rest of the division before the second half of the season.
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