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Panthers Elevate Two From Practice Squad, Including Former First-Round Pick
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- Panthers Elevate Two From Practice Squad, Including Former First-Round Pick
The Carolina Panthers are preparing to take on the Chicago Bears in Week 1.
This is an important game for the Panthers, despite it being the first game of the season. This is a chance for the Panthers to show that it wasn't a fluke when they won the division and made the postseason in 2025. The Bears are a quality opponent, so this would be an early resume booster for the squad.
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Ahead of this matchup, the Panthers have a few injury situations to monitor. Outside linebacker Patrick Jones II has been ruled out, and we know the Panthers will be without both starting offensive tackles for a few weeks.
On Saturday, the team went ahead and elevated two players from the practice squad, including one guy who was a surprising roster cut.
DB Isaiah Simmons , OLB Jeremiah Moon Elevated
Jul 31, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Isaiah Simmons (27) makes a catch during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The Panthers promoted defensive back Isaiah Simmons and outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon.
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Simmons was one of the most surprising cuts the Panthers made. The veteran made some nice plays this summer, but he ultimately wasn't kept around since the team kept five tight ends and three quarterbacks.
Simmons has had a fall from grace since entering the NFL, but he's still a nice role player. The defender was a first-round pick back in 2020 , but he struggled to make the expected impact. Simmons switched from linebacker to safety, and he contributes on special teams.
As for Moon, it makes sense that he was promoted since Jones is out. The Panthers will have Jaelan Phillips , Princely Umanmielen , Trevis Gipson , Thomas Incoom , and Moon available to rush the passer in this one.
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Players can be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster three times. After that, the players have to be signed to the active roster if the team wants to use them on game day.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
