Panthers Finalize 53-Man Roster Ahead of 2026 Season

The Carolina Panthers finalized their initial 53-man roster on August 30 as they prepare to defend their NFC South title. For those following North Carolina sports betting, Carolina opens the regular season as a 2.5-point underdog against the Chicago Bears on September 13 at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers finished the preseason 3-1.

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Panthers Make Several Roster Moves

Carolina acquired defensive tackle TeRah Edwards from the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick. Edwards appeared in all three of the Chargers' 2026 preseason games and recorded 10 tackles. The Panthers also officially signed veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke to a one-year contract Monday. Carolina placed offensive lineman Brady Christensen on injured reserve to make room for Okereke.

Wide receiver John Metchie III made the roster after leading Carolina in receiving during the preseason. Carolina waived former starting linebacker Trevin Wallace after he started 20 games over the previous two seasons.

Panthers Add 12 Players to Practice Squad

Carolina signed 12 players to its practice squad Monday, including wide receiver David Moore and safety Isaiah Simmons, who were released during the roster reduction. The group also includes Jake Curhan, Cam Gill, Ja'seem Reed, Corey Thornton, Isaia Glass, DeVonta Smith, Casey Washington, Parker Petersen, Tre Tyus and Maz Mwansa.

The Panthers have five practice squad spots remaining after these additions. Four of the 12 players signed Monday are veterans, including Moore, Simmons, Curhan and Gill.

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Panthers Place Players on Reserve Lists

Running back Trevor Etienne and linebacker Bam Martin-Scott were placed on injured reserve with designations to return in four weeks. The team also placed right tackle Taylor Moton on the reserve/non-football illness list and left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. The Panthers said Moton, Ekwonu and Wharton are ruled out for at least the first four games.

Panthers Open Season Against Bears

The Panthers begin the regular season at home against Chicago before road games against Atlanta and Cleveland. Carolina then hosts Detroit on October 4 in Week 4 before its Week 5 bye. The Panthers travel to Philadelphia on October 18 in Week 6. Their remaining schedule includes games against Green Bay, Baltimore, Minnesota and Cincinnati.

Fans using NC betting apps will also find odds for these games. Those looking beyond individual matchups can find Panthers Super Bowl odds and other futures markets on most sportsbooks in the state.