One of the reasons that the Panthers signed cornerback Cortland Finnegan this week was because Charles Tillman’s recent absence with a knee injury revealed some shortcomings in their depth at the position.
Finnegan will need to be ready to work against the Saints this weekend because Tillman has been ruled out for Sunday. It will be the third straight game that Tillman has missed after starting the first nine games during his first year in Carolina.
Coach Ron Rivera said Friday, via Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, that Colin Jones will continue to see time in the slot with Tillman out of the lineup, but that Finnegan will also get situational work less than a week after returning to the NFL.
Defensive end Mario Addison has also been ruled out because of an ankle injury that’s kept him out of practice all week. Wide receiver Philly Brown, defensive end Kony Ealy, defensive tackle Dwan Edwards and defensive tackle Star Lotulelei are all probable and expected to play as the Panthers try to move to 12-0.
