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Panthers Cut Cherelus To Save IR Spots For Later
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- Panthers Cut Cherelus To Save IR Spots For Later
Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers executed a decisive move by releasing linebacker Claudin Cherelus from injured reserve via an injury settlement. This move sends a clear message about the team's depth and their long-term planning for the season. While some fans might see this as a betrayal, the logic behind the decision makes perfect sense for a roster in flux.
A Smart Roster Maneuver
To create roster space prior to this significant transaction, Maema Njongmeta was waived and guard Torricelli Simpkins III was promoted by the team on Tuesday. Cherelus was fighting for a starting job all summer but failed to impress enough to secure the spot over Bobby Okereke . Now, the Panthers are taking a calculated risk. If Cherelus clears waivers, he hits free agency. If he gets claimed, he can play for another team. But the real goal here is to free up one of the eight designated return spots from injured reserve.
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Yahoo Sports reports that Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are among several Panthers currently on injured reserve who might be activated in the future. These two cornerbacks are expected to miss roughly eight weeks after suffering injuries in the loss to the Cleveland Browns . Per Associated Press, Jackson underwent surgery on Tuesday while Horn will not need surgery for his torn quad. By moving Cherelus now, the Panthers ensure they have a slot ready when these stars are healthy again.
The Secondary Must Step Up
Since the Lions hold the eighth spot in passing and third in scoring across three weeks, the timing presents a severe challenge. The Panthers now must rely on Akayleb Evans and rookie Will Lee III to start at cornerback moving forward. During the 2023 season, Evans started 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings , yet he has managed only two starts since then. This is a massive test for the rookie Lee, who is a fourth-round draft pick making his first NFL start. The team also signed veteran David Moore and running back Anthony Tyus to help fill other gaps.
Mike Jackson tried to keep morale high in the locker room despite the pain. With a laugh, Jackson remarked, "We gotta stop doing everything together," after joking that his return schedule matches Horn's. He added, "It's tough, but I know the rest of those DBs, it's their time to shine. I told them, 'one man's storm is another man's sunset.'" The team needs that next-man-up mentality more than ever right now.
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Why This Is the Right Play
Linebacker Jaelan Phillips summed up the mood of the locker room perfectly. He stated, "We just have to rally on defense and have that next-man-up mentality," and noted, "It's tough to see our guys down, but we have to pick up the slack for them." This is exactly what the Cherelus move is about. The team cannot afford to lose their top defensive pieces without a plan to get them back.
Mike Kaye of ESPN noted that Cherelus is anticipated to miss merely a few weeks, meaning the Panthers could re-sign him post-waivers once he recovers. It would definitely make sense to keep him around given the depth issues. The Panthers are not giving up on him; they are just playing the long game to maximize their roster flexibility. This is a smart, cold-blooded business move that shows the front office is thinking ahead.
Coach Dave Canales said replacing Jaycee Horn isn't possible, but he is asking his guys to do their job. The Panthers face that tough Lions offense in Week 4 before their Week 5 bye gives the depleted secondary time to regroup. The Panthers are betting on their young players to step up while they wait for their stars to return from the IR.
