Carolina Panthers: Inactives revealed for Week 1 vs Cleveland Browns

The Carolina Panthers have released their list of inactive players for their Week 1 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, where the Browns’ former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield will make his Panthers debut against his old team. Newly traded for wideout Laviska Shenault Jr. will have to wait at least another week to make his Carolina debut.

The Panthers deactivated defensive end Amaré Barno, offensive lineman Cade Mays, defensive tackle Marquan McCall, tight end Stephen Sullivan, and linebacker Arron Mosby from the 53-man active roster as well.

Panthers Inactive

WR Laviska Shenault Jr.

DE Amaré Barno

OL Cade Mays

DT Marquan McCall

TE Stephen Sullivan

LB Arron Mosby

Linebacker Brandon Smith (thigh), who was placed on Friday’s injury report, has received the green light to play in the season-opener. He’s a backup to four veteran linebackers, and could play a role on special teams this year, according to the Panther’s team site. Mosby was elevated from the practice squad Saturday if Smith was not able to suit up.

Thankfully for the Panthers, star running back Christian McCaffrey (shin) is healthy and active for Sunday’s season-opener. The former Stanford standout is looking to complete a full season with no setbacks since 2019.

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Tight end/fullback Giovanni Ricci (hip) and kicker Eddy Piñeiro (hip) both had a full practiced Friday and neither received injury designations for Sunday, meaning they’ll be in uniform with no restrictions come game time.

The Panthers and Browns are set to kickoff at 1 p.m. ET with CBS carrying the regional broadcast as Baker Mayfield looks to take down his former team on his team home turf in Carolina.

Matt Rhule disputes common perception, past criticisms of Baker Mayfield

Matt Rhule is disputing some of the criticisms his new starting quarterback — former Oklahoma star and first overall selection of the Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield — has received throughout his career.

Immature. Brash. Tough to work with. Mayfield has been labeled both fairly and unfairly by players and media outlets alike, but Rhule hasn’t seen anything but a positive light in the star quarterback.

Per Bridget Condon of NFL Network, Rhule has been showering Mayfield with praise, as she highlighted on Twitter on Monday.

“I haven’t seen anything that said, ‘Hey I’m going to let my emotions get the best of me.’ He’s a true, true, true professional,” Rhule said, speaking about his starting quarterback. 

Ahead of the season, Rhule made Mayfield his starting quarterback over last season’s big acquisiton, Sam Darnold. The former Oklahoma star wanted to be in Carolina for multiple reasons, and even took a pay-cut to do get there, so being named Rhule’s QB1 must’ve been the ultimate vindication for Mayfield.