The Carolina Panthers, fresh off a thrilling 44-38 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, are considering contract extensions for players from their 2022 NFL Draft class, which has not proven to be particularly impactful. After three seasons in the NFL, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and guard Cade Mays are now eligible for extensions. While the Panthers might contemplate locking in Ekwonu, who has shown inconsistency, Mays's versatility and reliability may make him a more straightforward choice for an early extension.

Despite a lackluster draft class where many players have fallen off, the Panthers have improved their offensive line and now have opportunities to secure Ekwonu and Mays for the long term. Their performance this season could influence the decision-making process regarding these extensions, especially considering the evolving roles and future of the offensive line.

The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for their final game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons, with significant roster moves announced just before the matchup. Veteran running back Miles Sanders has been activated from the injured reserve, returning to the active roster after suffering a leg injury in Week 10 against the New York Giants. Despite limited playtime earlier in the season, Sanders is expected to start against Atlanta, with Mike Boone and Raheem Blackshear as potential backups.

Additionally, the Panthers have signed defensive end DeShawn Williams from the practice squad. Williams, who previously played for Denver, has contributed with 13 tackles and half a sack this season. However, the team has also faced setbacks, as outside linebacker Amare Barno has been placed on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury sustained in the previous game against Tampa Bay. With Josey Jewell also sidelined due to a concussion, the Panthers have elevated linebackers Kenny Dyson and Thomas Incoom from the practice squad to bolster their thin roster.

The Carolina Panthers will head into Week 18 without their standout cornerback, Jaycee Horn, who has been ruled out due to a hip injury. Horn, the only Panthers player selected for the Pro Bowl this season, did not participate in practice throughout the week and also missed the previous game. Despite his absence, Horn's impressive 2024 season included 68 combined tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 13 pass defenses, and 1 interception, marking a significant milestone in his career.

With Horn sidelined, the Panthers will likely rely on cornerbacks Michael Jackson and Caleb Farley during their matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on January 5. The Panthers have also listed four other players as inactive for the game, including linebackers Amare Barno, DJ Johnson, and Josey Jewell, along with cornerback Lonnie Johnson. Notably, Jewell has been a key player for the Panthers, starting 12 games and recording 97 combined tackles this season.

As the Panthers prepare for the crucial game against the Falcons, they face additional injury concerns. Offensive tackle Robert Hunt is questionable due to a knee injury, while fellow offensive tackle Taylor Moton and defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson are also uncertain after limited participation in practice. However, running back Miles Sanders has returned to full practice and is also listed as questionable.

The Falcons, needing a win to secure a playoff spot, will face the Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They must win and hope for a loss from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to clinch their first postseason berth since 2017. The game is set to kick off at 1 pm ET, coinciding with the Buccaneers' matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

The Carolina Panthers find themselves in a unique position to disrupt the NFC South as they prepare to face their final two opponents, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and another rival, with playoff implications at stake. Currently eliminated from postseason contention, the Panthers have the opportunity to play spoiler, particularly against the Buccaneers, whom they lost to in a recent overtime game. To achieve this, maintaining a healthy roster is crucial, especially given the number of players dealing with injuries.

As of Thursday's practice, several key players were absent or limited. Notable absentees included right tackle Taylor Moton, cornerbacks Chau Smith-Wade and Jaycee Horn, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, linebacker Josey Jewell, guard Damien Lewis, and outside linebacker Cam Gill. Meanwhile, other players like wide receivers Xavier Legette and Adam Thielen, tight end Tommy Tremble, and several others participated in limited capacities due to various injuries. However, quarterback Bryce Young, center Cade Mays, and left tackle Ikem Ekwonu were full participants, which bodes well for the Panthers' offensive line.

While none of the injured players have been designated as out for the upcoming game against Tampa Bay, their statuses will be closely monitored leading up to kickoff. This matchup is critical not only for the Buccaneers' playoff hopes but also gives the Panthers a chance to showcase their resilience and depth, even in a season that has not gone as planned.

The Kansas City Chiefs are motivated to bounce back after their recent loss to the Buffalo Bills as they prepare to face the Carolina Panthers. With a 9-1 record, the Chiefs are focused on securing home-field advantage in the playoffs, while the Panthers, having improved to 3-7, are looking to build on their recent successes.

Patrick Mahomes emphasizes the importance of progression as the season winds down, while the Panthers aim to capitalize on their newfound confidence. Key players like Isiah Pacheco are expected to return, potentially boosting the Chiefs' offense, which has struggled this season.

Rookie Xavier Worthy is showing promise for Kansas City, and the Panthers are excited about the debut of Jonathon Brooks. Meanwhile, Carolina's Eddy Pineiro has emerged as the NFL's most accurate kicker, surpassing notable names in the league.