The inactives lists have been released and both teams will be without key contributors today, but it looks like the Saints will have a more difficult time as they are missing several major players.
Panthers
LB Luke Kuechly
WR Kevin Norwood
WR Jerricho Cotchery
RB Brandon Wegher
OT Daryl Williams
DT Colin Cole
S Dean Marlowe
Obviously Luke Kuechly is the big one here, but A.J. Klein filled in nicely last week against the Texans and will hopefully have a repeat performance at MLB today. On the plus side, the defense will gain Star Lotulelei's run-stuffing ability as he is active for the first time this season after suffering a stress reaction in his foot during training camp. Kyle Love is getting a game jersey today over Colin Cole, and Dean Marlowe is once again on the inactive list.
On offense, Brenton Bersin will fill in the void left by Jerricho Cotchery's ankle injury, getting the nod over Kevin Norwood because reasons. Brandon Wegher remains on the inactive list, as does Daryl Williams who is still battling a knee injury.
Saints
QB Drew Brees
OG Jahri Evans
CB Keenan Lewis
LB Dannell Ellerbe
S Jairus Byrd
DE Obum Gwacham
DE Kaleb Eulls
The Saints are... what's the nicest way to put this... the Saints are hurting. They are going to be without their starting QB, OG, CB, LB, and S for today's game. That's a huge hurdle to overcome, and if we're being honest the Panthers should be able to take advantage of the Saints' depleted starting lineup and win this game handily. Anything can happen in the NFL, but the Panthers really have no excuse to lose this game.
Only one hour til kickoff, Panthers fans! Are you ready?!