Thursday Night Football: Inactives for Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears

Neither the Carolina Panthers (1-7) nor the Chicago Bears (2-7) will be at full strength for their Thursday night matchup. Both teams lost their previous game, and are desperate for a win. The Panthers’ injuries certainly aren’t doing them any favors.

Carolina will be without key contributors such as EDGE Brian Burns (concussion/elbow) and CJ Henderson (concussion). The pair’s absence will add to a laundry list of concerns for the Panthers. The team will look to rediscover its rhythm after falling 27-13 to the Indianapolis Colts last week.

Carolina isn’t the only one dealing with injuries. Quarterback Justin Fields will be unavailable for the fourth week in a row due to a dislocated thumb. QB2 Tyson Bagent is expected to start in his place again.

Bagent completed 18-of-his-30 pass attempts for 220 yards and two touchdowns in Chicago’s 24-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints last week. Bagent also threw three interceptions in the outing. Along with Fields, the Bears will be without starters Nate Davis and Tremaine Edmunds.

Prior to kickoff for “Thursday Night Football,” the two teams released their lists of inactives for the matchup. Look below to see who won’t be suiting up for the contest. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET with the game airing on Amazon Prime Video.

Carolina Panthers inactives

OLB Brian Burns
WR Laviska Shenault Jr.
WR DJ Chark
CB CJ Henderson
G Nash Jensen
TE Stephen Sullivan

Chicago Bears inactives

QB Justin Fields
WR Velus Jones Jr.
CB Terell Smith
FB Khari Blasingame
LB Tremaine Edmunds
RG Nate Davis
DE Dominique Robinson

Steve Smith Sr. advises Carolina Panthers amid struggles

Late last week, former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. joined “The Pat McAfee Show” and was asked about the situation with the Panthers. At the time of the former NFL star’s comments, Carolina was still searching for its first victory of the year.

“Well, the fanbase is irate,” Smith said. “They’re upset. … I’ve been accused of being a homer. Think about this: Right now, in Carolina, I’m kinda the voice of reason, which is shocking. I don’t know how that feels. 

“There’s a lot of moving parts, a lot of moving pieces. And they’re gonna have to figure it out and that’s what the season is gonna take. You will know what to expect — a realistic expectation, heading into next year — how the rest of the season really takes a toll.”

Right now, things don’t look great in Charlotte. But there are still nine games remaining on Carolina’s schedule. If the Panthers can get some sort of momentum and tally a few more wins, maybe the franchise feels a little bit different about the direction it’s heading.

Whether fans will feel the same way? That’s always a tough call.