NEW ORLEANS â The Panthers will be without a pair of starting defensive linemen for the regular season finale against the Saints.
Defensive end ï»żBrian Burnsï»ż (ankle) and defensive tackle ï»żMatt Ioannidisï»ż are among the seven inactive players for the Panthers on Sunday.
Burns picked up an ankle injury late in the week and said Friday he was hopeful he could play. But after coming in early Sunday, it was clear he wasn't ready to go.
He was named to his second Pro Bowl this year and posted a career-high 12.5 sacks this season.
Ioannidis has been a solid starter for the Panthers this season and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.
Also inactive for the Panthers Sunday will be wide receiver ï»żRashard Higginsï»ż, safety ï»żJuston Burrisï»ż, linebacker ï»żChandler Wootenï»ż, center ï»żSam Tecklenburgï»ż, and tackle ï»żLarnel Colemanï»ż.
The Panthers are expected to start ï»żMarquis Haynes Sr.ï»ż and ï»żBravvion Royï»ż on the defensive line this week, and ï»żJosh Normanï»ż will start at cornerback opposite ï»żCJ Hendersonï»ż. Norman, who was signed a week ago and elevated from the practice squad, will replace ï»żKeith Taylor Jr.ï»ż in the lineup.
PANTHERS INACTIVES
WR Rashard Higgins
S Juston Burris
LB Chandler Wooten
DE Brian Burns
C Sam Tecklenburg
T Larnel Coleman
DT Matt Ioannidis
View photos of Panthers players arriving at the Superdome for the 2022 season finale against the Saints in Week 18.
