Carolina Panthers vs Miami Dolphins: Inactives for Week 6 matchup

The Carolina Panthers (0-5), in search of their first win of the 2023 season, have a tough test awaiting them in Week 6 Sunday.

Next up for Carolina is a date with the Miami Dolphins (4-1), who sit atop the AFC East and own the league’s No. 1 offense. On paper, it’s not exactly a desirable matchup for a team such as the Panthers, who are still looking to assert themselves in year one under head coach Frank Reich.

Making matters worse is that the Panthers will be shorthanded at several key positions Sunday. The Panthers already ruled out running back Miles Sanders and safety Vonn Bell against the Dolphins. Sanders is dealing with a shoulder injury while Bell has a quadriceps injury. Neither practiced Friday ahead of the trip to South Florida.

Also of concern, Brian Burns (ankle) and Derrick Brown (knee/ankle) did not participate in Thursday’s practice because of injuries. The status of both players for Sunday’s game had been in question. Both are expected to give it a go Sunday, and weren’t on the inactives report released shortly before game time. Through the first five games this season, Brown has accounted for 29 total tackles and a sack for the Panthers. Burns has tallied 18 stops, four sacks and a forced fumble.

Panthers Week 6 Inactives

RB Miles Sanders

S Vonn Bell

S Xavier Woods

TE Giovanni Ricci

G Chandler Zavala

T David Sharpe

Panthers rookie offensive lineman Chandler Zavala is also out for Sunday. He collapsed mid-play last week as he was blocking a Detroit Lions defensive lineman and had to be carted off the field. Luckily, Zavala was able to signal he was alright with a thumbs up as the cart drove to the locker room. He went to the hospital for further evaluation but was able to make the trip back home with the team.

“I’m excited for the guys who are going to get to play,” head coach Frank Reich said this week, via the team’s website. “Obviously, it’s a big challenge. Nobody’s looking to feel sorry for us. So that’s what you get paid to do – and get down there, play it out. These are these are great opportunities. This is a great opportunity to make a statement about who we are as a team. It’s a great opportunity for the guys stepping in. And I’m looking forward to it.”