The waiver wire for Week 17 presents several intriguing options for fantasy football managers, particularly in light of injuries across various teams.

Jaylon Carlies of the Indianapolis Colts emerges as a top target if E.J. Speed remains sidelined. The Buffalo Bills also face defensive challenges, creating opportunities for players in linebacker and safety positions.

Other notable mentions include Owen Pappoe from the Arizona Cardinals and Jacoby Windmon of the Carolina Panthers, both of whom could see increased playing time due to injuries on their respective teams.

Jacoby Windmon, a former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, made an unwanted mark in NFL history during Week 16 as the first player penalized for using a hip drop tackle this season. This tackle style had gone uncalled throughout the year, despite multiple fines issued to players.

Windmon, who began his journey as an undrafted free agent and spent time on the Steelers' practice squad, made his first NFL start with the Carolina Panthers, accumulating 11 tackles this season. Despite the penalty, his rookie year has been notable, and he may attract interest from Pittsburgh again in the future.

The Carolina Panthers are facing a significant crisis on defense due to a string of injuries. Rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace, who stepped up amid the turmoil, is now sidelined for the season following shoulder surgery. This leaves the team with an already depleted linebacker corps, as backup Claudin Cherilus also landed on injured reserve.

Head coach Dave Canales confirmed the severity of the situation, with key players like Shaq Thompson and Derrick Brown also out. As the Panthers prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals, their defensive struggles could be exacerbated by the lack of depth and experience on the field.

The Carolina Panthers face a significant challenge as their defensive front-seven takes a hit for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. With Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson already sidelined, the team announced that inside linebackers Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus are also heading to injured reserve.

Wallace, a promising third-round draft pick, had made a strong impact this season before his shoulder injury. Cherelus, who had limited starts, also suffered an injury during a tough loss to the Dallas Cowboys. To fill the gaps, the Panthers have signed linebacker Jacoby Windmon and wide receiver Dan Chisena from the practice squad.

The Carolina Panthers have officially signed linebacker Jacoby Windmon from the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad to their 53-man roster. Windmon, an undrafted free agent, began his college career at UNLV before transferring to Michigan State.

During his time at Michigan State, he recorded 64 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Despite being released during final roster cuts, he returned to the Steelers' practice squad earlier this month. With Carolina's defense facing injury challenges, Windmon may quickly find a role on the team.