Miami’s Week 5 inactives keep De’Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II as the backfield anchors, with Jaylen Wright sidelined again and Tyreek Hill on IR. Tahj Washington will be active for his first NFL game as the emergency QB, while Zeek Biggers, Storm Duck, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. sit. Ethan Bonner returns to the lineup. Panthers list Chuba Hubbard, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Tershawn Wharton, Chau Smith-Wade, Jaden Crumedy, and Clauden Cherelus as inactive. Fantasy note: Washington’s debut adds a floor-upside element for Miami while backfield shares tighten with limited RB depth, and the Panthers’ inactives hint at defensive or positional matchups to exploit.

Carolina’s defense has flipped a rough script in three weeks. A 30-0 win over Atlanta showcased a stronger front and smarter pass rush as Dan Morgan rebuilt the line with Tershawn Wharton, even if his debut was cut short by a hamstring tweak. If Wharton returns healthy, Ejiro Evero’s unit could unleash more pressure, with Derrick Brown anchoring up the middle and rookie Princely Umanmielen benefited by a steadier edge.

Wharton’s mentorship of Umanmielen stands out as a key storyline, underscoring a culture of professional growth. Jimmy Horn Jr. earning promotion adds versatility to the depth chart as Carolina braces for New England, aiming to sustain improvements on both sides of the ball and turn early-season momentum into tangible fantasy gains.

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.

Panthers’ Week 2 outlook tightens as injuries hit the trenches. Wharton’s hamstring will sideline him 2-4 weeks, testing interior depth while Nijman’s Week 1 effort underscored protection issues. Renfrow’s rib injury adds another cut to the receiving corps, with Jones II limited and Crumedy/Jaden Crumedy stepping into larger roles. Cam Jackson could push for more snaps behind Wharton, reshaping the Panthers’ front seven against Arizona.

Fantasy angles shift quickly: Renfrow’s status could boost other receivers in a game Carolina leans on quick throws and run game tempo. With the rookie interior guys stepping up, IDP edges may see increased opportunity, and Young’s sophomore season starts under new pressure, raising the stakes for Week 2 projections and DFS lineups.