Josey

Jewell

Jewell is reportedly still dealing with concussion symptoms stemming from a Week 16 brain injury. The Panthers are open to re-signing him when and if they subside, per CBS’ Jonathan Jones. Carolina’s depth chart without Jewell is wide open inside, with 2024 third-rounder Trevin Wallace expected to play a three-down role in 2025.

Horn was a DNP all week and seems highly unlikely to play despite a doubtful tag that leaves an ounce of optimism. Horn played through a groin injury last week, but this week’s hip injury is likely going to prove too much to play through. In addition to Horn, OT Taylor Moton (knee) is also doubtful, while linebacker Josey Jewell (concussion/quad) and cornerback Chau Smith-Wade (illness/chest) have both been ruled out.

That’s two linebacker injuries the Panthers were dealt in Week 4’s loss to the Bengals, although the injury to Jewell isn’t nearly as severe as the one to Shaq Thompson (Achilles). Jewell has totaled 30 tackles in four games with the Panthers this season and will be expected to take on a bigger role with Thompson likely lost for the season. It sounds like Jewell will almost certainly miss Week 5’s contest against the Bears but could return for Week 6 against the Falcons.

The Panthers are already without Shaq Thompson who suffered a heel injury on the same drive as Jewell, so this could be a big loss for the middle of this defense as the Panthers try to mount a comeback.

Jewell joins a Panthers defense that’s in need of some help. After losing linebacker Frankie Luvu and safety Jeremy Chinn to the Commanders and trading Brian Burns to the Giants, the Panthers bring in Jewell to serve as the presumed starter at middle linebacker. Jewell totaled 108 tackles and two TFLs last season with the Broncos and earned a PFF grade of 67.2 while also fairing reasonably well in pass coverage. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero still needs some help on the defensive side of the ball, but Jewell is a solid vet for a team that’s lost three key starters in less than 24 hours.

Simmons was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He was then downgraded to a DNP on Friday, making it unlikely he will be able to suit up on Sunday. The Broncos defense has arguably been the worst in the league this year and is set to be without one of their top play-makers for Week 4. It’s now or never for Justin Fields. Denver ruled out Mike Purcell, Josey Jewell, and Frank Clark.

Jewell exited in the first half of Thursday’s game against the Colts and was ruled out at the start of the second half. Jewell was re-signed to a two-year deal earlier this offseason and has started in both of his appearances on the season. Jewell had seven tackles and assisted on a sack before exiting Thursday’s game.

Hamler was ruled out on Friday and didn’t look particularly close to playing, but Nathaniel Hackett said the team was trying to avoid a setback in comments later that day. Tyrie Cleveland projects as Denver’s No. 3 wideout, but it should just serve to narrow the passing game options for Russell Wilson against the Texans. Also inactive for Denver are WR Jalen Virgil, OLB Nik Bonitto, LB Josey Jewell, OT Billy Turner, G Quinn Meinerz, and DL Eyioma Uwazurike. Randy Gregory (shoulder/knee) is active.

Jewell was lost to a torn pectoral in Week 2 last season, but was a 16-game starter who finished with 113 tackles in 2020. He was adequate in 2020 and could be used next to Baron Browning on inside downs in 2022, as both Kenny Young and Alexander Johnson are also still free agents. He may also just be a useful depth piece if the Broncos add more, but that dollar amount sure seems like they’re viewing him as a starter and George Paton talked him up as a very important retain for the Broncos at the combine.

Monday testing on Jewell’s Week 2 injury confirmed he tore his pectoral and will miss the remainder of the season. Jewell had seven tackles and a forced fumble through the season’s first couple games. It’s a setback for a Denver defense that has been one of the league’s best in the young 2021 season.