Panthers face a must-win Week 5 trip to Miami with a reshaped backfield. Chuba Hubbard is out, so Rico Dowdle carries the early workload, backed by Trevor Etienne and Deejay Dallas. Tremble and Mitchell Evans handle tight end duties, while Corey Thornton could earn slot time with Chau Smith-Wade inactive. Tyreek Hill’s season-ending injury shifts Miami’s targets, elevating other pass-catchers for Carolina’s fantasy plans.

Miami’s inactives thin the depth behind Cedrick Wilson Jr. and the rest, which could push more volume toward secondary options. Panthers fans and fantasy managers will watch Dowdle’s usage, Etienne’s involvement in all phases, and the TE duo as potential DFS or league-long values in a game that could hinge on who seizes the thin workload.

Ja'Tavion Sanders is out weeks with a high ankle sprain, leaving the Panthers with Mitchell Evans and Tommy Tremble as the immediate TE options. Trade chatter intensifies around David Njoku from Cleveland as Carolina pivots to a premium upgrade to support Bryce Young and the passing game. Cleveland could cash in for 2026 draft capital with Harold Fannin Jr. rising, making Njoku expendable. Carolina eyes a quick path to the NFC South race, leveraging added weaponry beyond Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Hunter Renfrow.

The plan hinges on improving Young's development and the offense's rhythm, especially with a thin TE depth chart and a need for reliable targets. If aNjoku deal materializes, Carolina would gain a high-end safety valve, elevating efficiency and making the pass game more attack-minded as they chase meaningful wins in a competitive division.

Carolina’s Week 4 depth chart remains unchanged after the 30-0 win. Bryce Young stays the starter, with Chuba Hubbard as the lead back and Rico Dowdle spelling him. Top receivers are Xavier Legette, Tetairoa McMillan, and Hunter Renfrow, with solid depth behind them for contingency plans.

Ja'Tavion Sanders is dealing with a high-ankle sprain and could miss multiple weeks; a move to IR would put Dan Chisena on the active roster. Trevor Etienne is the primary punt returner, but David Moore replaced him after a muff, signaling potential tweaks on special teams ahead of the Patriots game.