The Panthers head to Foxborough after a 30-0 win but Week 4 brings a tough injury pill that could reshape fantasy plans. Out are Patrick Jones II, Xavier Legette, Ja'Tavion Sanders and D.J. Wonnum, with Sanders sidelined by an ankle injury likely to linger. Tershawn Wharton is questionable after a hamstring tweak, while Tetairoa McMillan and Chuba Hubbard are limited with calf issues. Others like Rico Dowdle, Jaycee Horn, and Taylor Moton are rested, and Hunter Renfrow is not facing an injury concern.

McMillan leads Carolina with 14 catches for 216 yards through three games, making his availability pivotal. The Panthers promote Jimmy Horn Jr. to the active depth chart, potentially widening the target tree if McMillan misses time. The 1-2 Panthers face the 1-2 Patriots in a 1 p.m. ET kickoff on FOX, looking to exploit depth and maximize opportunities from a reshaped skill-position group.

Ikem Ekwonu's emergency appendectomy leaves Week 1 against Jacksonville in flux. If he can't go, Yosh Nijman would step in at left tackle, bringing 25 career starts and 3 in 2024 to Carolina's front. Ekwonu remains day-to-day, with healing timelines varying by individual.

Nijman’s presence could shape the Panthers’ protection and run game, while Adam Thielen’s target share could rise if protection tightens and the offense needs reliable quick-hit options. Carolina aims to preserve blocking chemistry for the Jaguars test.

Historically, Week 1 opens against Jacksonville carry significance for the franchise, with the 2003 and 2015 openers standing out as precursors to a Super Bowl run in those seasons.