As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Carolina Panthers are considering a range of options for their eighth overall pick, primarily focusing on an edge defender, wide receiver, tight end, or defensive back. However, an unexpected direction may arise as GM Dan Morgan hints at selecting an offensive tackle.

Team reporter Darin Gantt pointed out that while the Panthers aim to extend Ikem Ekwonu, they shouldn't ignore the tackle position. With Taylor Moton entering the final year of his contract, securing a potential successor through the draft could solidify their offensive line. Names like Will Campbell from LSU and Armand Membou from Missouri are emerging as possible choices.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Carolina Panthers are considering a range of options for their eighth overall pick, primarily focusing on an edge defender, wide receiver, tight end, or defensive back. However, an unexpected direction may arise as GM Dan Morgan hints at selecting an offensive tackle.

Team reporter Darin Gantt pointed out that while the Panthers aim to extend Ikem Ekwonu, they shouldn't ignore the tackle position. With Taylor Moton entering the final year of his contract, securing a potential successor through the draft could solidify their offensive line. Names like Will Campbell from LSU and Armand Membou from Missouri are emerging as possible choices.

PFF's NFL Week 18 Team of the Week has been unveiled, featuring standout players recognized for their remarkable performances based on grades and snap counts. The list includes notable names such as Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots, who excelled in his first career start, and Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons, who closed the season with a spectacular rushing game.

On the defensive side, Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys shone brightly, showcasing his skills with an impressive grade and multiple sacks. The Carolina Panthers offensive line also received accolades for their performance, contributing significantly to their success in the final game of the season.

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 face a challenging situation as they prepare for their regular season finale against the Atlanta Falcons, with outside linebacker D.J. Johnson listed as out due to a personal matter. Head coach Dave Canales confirmed that Johnson was involved in a car accident, although he reassured that the situation is not life-threatening. Canales stated they are currently gathering more information about Johnson’s condition.

Johnson, a former third-round pick, has had a solid season, participating in 14 games and recording 44 tackles, three tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, one fumble recovery, and half a sack. His absence will be felt as the Panthers aim to conclude their season on a high note.

In addition to Johnson, the Panthers have several players listed as questionable for the matchup, including running back Miles Sanders (ankle), wide receiver Xavier Legette (hip/wrist), guard Robert Hunt (knee), and tackle Taylor Moton (knee). Defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (neck) and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (rest) are also in doubt. The team will need to assess their health ahead of the game against the Falcons.