Carolina Panthers reveal inactive players vs. Patriots

The Carolina Panthers have released their list of inactive players for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. After being without a handful of players last week — including wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., cornerback CJ Henderson, linebacker Kamal Martin and defensive tackle Phil Hoskins — the Panthers will again miss some key contributors Sunday.

Panthers inactive list for Sunday’s game

The Carolina Panthers announced that wide receiver Shi Smith, cornerbacks CJ Henderson and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, running back Royce Freeman, linebacker Kamal Martin, guard Pat Elfein and defensive tackle Phil Hoskins will all be inactive for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.

Henderson, who suffered a shoulder injury in an Oct. 24 game against the New York Giants, had practiced this week but has ultimately been ruled out. Prior to his injury, Henderson had made 14 solo tackles this season.

The loss of Royce Freeman – who has rushed for 77 yards on 21 carries this year – is a big one for Carolina, which will have just three backs in Chuba Hubbard, Ameer Abdullah and Christian McCaffrey available against the Patriots.

McCaffrey is finally active again after dealing with a hamstring injury suffered in a Week 3 game against the Houston Texans and is expected to be limited to a snap total Sunday. Prior to his injury, McCaffrey had rushed for 201 yards and a touchdown on 52 carries.

Alongside McCaffrey, quarterback Sam Darnold – who had been in concussion protocol and dealing with a shoulder injury – was warming up pregame and is expected to start against New England. Darnold has thrown for 1,814 yards and seven touchdowns with eight interceptions so far this season.

The Panthers – who are 4-4 on the season and coming off a 19-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons – and Patriots are scheduled to kickoff at 1 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium. CBS will be carrying the broadcast.