The Carolina Panthers are making a triumphant return to the playoffs after clinching their first NFC South title in a decade. Their playoff journey kicks off this Saturday at Bank of America Stadium as they face off against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams, with a regular season record of 12-5, are coming into the playoffs with momentum, securing a playoff spot for the third consecutive year. On the other hand, the Panthers made history by making it to the playoffs with an 8-9 record, becoming only the fifth team to do so with a losing record.
Despite being the higher seed at No. 4, the Panthers are considered underdogs in this matchup as they secured their spot by winning a weak division. In contrast, the Rams are viewed as strong contenders for the Super Bowl and are clear favorites going into the game.
The Panthers pulled off a surprising 31-28 victory against the Rams in Week 13, with Matthew Stafford throwing two crucial interceptions. Stafford will be seeking redemption in this playoff game and aiming to lead his team to victory.
As the two teams prepare to face off, let’s take a look at the list of inactive players for both the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams for the wild-card round.
Carolina Panthers Inactives for the Wild-Card Round
The Carolina Panthers have just one player ruled out for the game, with guard Chandler Zavala still recovering from a calf injury. However, the team received a boost with the activation of guard Robert Hunt off injured reserve after being out since Week 2.
Other players who appeared on the injury report earlier in the week but are cleared to play include cornerback Robert Rochell, defensive tackle Bobby Brown, linebacker Claudin Cherelus, and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton.
Inactive Panthers for the wild-card round:
- Chandler Zavala (calf)
- Hunter Renfrow
- Demani Richardson
- Corey Thornton (IR)
- Damarri Mathis (IR)
- Trevin Wallace (IR)
Los Angeles Rams Inactives for the Wild-Card Round
The Los Angeles Rams will see the return of Davante Adams and Quentin Lake, adding firepower to both their offense and defense. However, the team will be without the services of Jordan Whittington, Kevin Dotson, and Shaun Dolac in the game.
Losing Kevin Dotson is a significant blow for the Rams, as he has been a standout performer on the offensive line throughout the season. Additionally, cornerback Josh Wallace and tight end Terrance Ferguson remain questionable for the game.
Inactive Rams for the wild-card round:
- Kevin Dotson (ankle)
- Jordan Whittington (knee)
- Rob Havenstein (IR)
- Shaun Dolac (IR)
- Keir Thomas (IR)
As the stage is set for an exciting playoff showdown between the Panthers and the Rams, both teams will be looking to overcome their respective challenges and secure a spot in the next round. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling matchup at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday.
