Panthers ‘hopeful’ Phillips can return after bye

The Panthers entered the season down both of their starting tackles. They will also be without left guard Damien Lewis this week. Getting Freeling back is a big win for Bryce Young and the offense. Freeling has struggled in pass protection so far but is serviceable in the run game.

Legette will miss a second straight game with his knee injury. He has caught just two passes for 64 yards on six targets this season and wouldn’t be on the fantasy radar even if he were active. In addition to Legette, the Panthers also ruled out OG Damien Lewis (elbow) for Week 4 against the Lions while OT Monroe Freeling (concussion), DT Lee Hunter (foot), and DT Cam Jackson (knee) were all listed as questionable.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported earlier this week that stud Panthers LG Damien Lewis (elbow) will be out “a few weeks.” The Panthers have a fantasy-friendly matchup against the Lions this week, but Freeling’s health is worth tracking.

Lloyd was one of the Panthers’ premier free agent additions this offseason, and he’s already proven to be worth the investment. Lloyd terrorized the Falcons in Week 2 with a sack and two interceptions, one of which was a pick-six. Fellow free agent acquisition Jaelan Phillips was also absent from practice today. He is dealing with a back injury. Though the Browns aren’t a particularly good offense right now, it would still be a massive boon for them if Lloyd and Phillips are out for Week 3.

He’s joined by CB Jaycee Horn, who cut his foot while running and required stitches. Horn’s injury is expected to be a minor one. Moton, on the other hand, is expected to miss the start of the season and the “belief” is he’ll play in 2026. The Panthers later clarified that Moton is hopeful to return from clotting in his lung at “mid-season.” Rookie first-round tackle Monroe Freeling figures to step in for Moton early.

The giant Freeling will be blocking for the diminutive Bryce Young in Carolina. The Panthers offensive line in 2025 were graded by PFF as the league’s 17th best pass blocking unit. Freeling (6’7/315) enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most physically gifted offensive linemen in the class, boasting rare movement skills and length for the position. The Bulldogs tackle brings a prototype frame at roughly 6-7, 315 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms, pairing that length with elite athletic traits highlighted by a freakish 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, including a 4.93s forty, 33.5-inch vertical and 9’7” broad jump. Freeling’s athleticism shows up consistently on tape, showing advanced movement capabilities in space, executing reach blocks, lead assignments and screen duties while displaying the quick feet to mirror edge rushers in pass protection. After a developmental sophomore season, Freeling made a major leap in 2025, posting an 86.1 PFF pass-blocking grade while allowing just two sacks and eight total pressures across 469 pass-blocking snaps. His length, quick redirect ability and fluidity passing off twists make him particularly effective against speed rushers and stunts. However, Freeling can struggle to maintain leverage and hand placement at times, with inconsistent run-blocking landmarks and occasional balance issues when he leans into contact.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the deal includes an eye-popping $80 million guaranteed. The Eagles were reportedly working to retain the 27-year-old (in May) pass rusher, but got outbid by the typically free-spending Panthers. A former Dolphin who flourished during his eight-game trade cameo for the Eagles last season, Phillips finally stayed healthy last year after an injury marred 2023-24 run. That’s a concern going forward, but Phillips is a pass-rushing difference maker when on the field.

It sounds like the Eagles are making a push to re-sign Phillips before the legal tampering period begins on Monday. Phillips, whom the Eagles acquired at last year’s trade deadline, totaled 28 tackles, two sacks, and one fumble recovery in his eight games with the team last season, and is believed to have a strong market should he become available. While the soon-to-be 27-year-old dealt with two serious injuries in 2023 and 2024, he managed to play in all 17 regular season games in 2025 and is a clear difference maker for any defense he’s on.

The Cowboys lost out on the Maxx Crosby trade sweepstakes and will have to pivot — they reportedly had some interest in Hendrickson at the deadline. Oweh probably makes more sense as a younger upside swing, and this is the third of four NFC East teams in on Jaelan Phillips that we’ve heard about.

Phillips came over in a midseason trade from Miami and had a great half-year in Philadelphia, posting a 77.1 PFF defensive grade in nine games. The Eagles stand to net a high compensatory pick if Phillips leaves, but it seems like they’d rather just keep the player.