The Carolina Panthers‘ defensive front took a significant hit with the news that Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season due to a knee injury sustained in Sunday’s 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Brown, 26, had been a cornerstone of the Panthers’ defense since being selected seventh overall in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Auburn. He recently inked a four-year, $96 million deal this offseason and played 60 of 66 defensive snaps in the game before his injury.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales addressed Brown’s absence, acknowledging the immense challenge of replacing one of their best players.
“Definitely a huge loss, right? He’s one of our best players. That’s big shoes to fill,” Canales said. “But at the same time, we’ve got players in there. I want them to know and be encouraged. If you go in, you play with great technique and you just do your job, we don’t need you to make the special plays that Derrick makes.”
In response to Brown’s season-ending injury, the Panthers are expected to sign veteran defensive end Charles Harris, per multiple reports. Harris, 29, spent last season with the Detroit Lions, recording 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 13 games (three starts). A former first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2017, Harris brings experience and depth, having compiled 16.5 career sacks and 171 tackles over 90 career games with stints in Miami, Atlanta, and Detroit.
The Panthers also made additional roster moves, including waiving outside linebacker Jamie Sheriff and signing special teams veterans Mike Boone and Lonnie Johnson. Both Boone and Johnson were promoted from the practice squad last week, with Boone providing depth in the backfield and Johnson contributing in the secondary and on special teams.
Defensive end DeShawn Williams and cornerback Azizi Hearn were added to the Panthers’ practice squad. Williams started 10 games for Carolina last season, while Hearn, who spent time with the New England Patriots’ practice squad, will look to contribute as needed.
As the Panthers move forward without Brown, they’ll rely on a next-man-up mentality to hold down the defensive line while navigating the rest of the season.
