Carolina Panthers reveal inactives for ultimate test vs. Buccaneers

The Panthers will be without a few players today.

Nov 2, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Carolina Panthers helmet before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers have just revealed their inactives for this week's regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If things break the right way, some of these players will have a chance to play again in the playoffs. Otherwise, this was it for many of them, some of whom might never put on a Panthers jersey again.

Carolina Panthers inactives for Week 18 finale vs. Bucs

Jul 26, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (92) walks off after practice during training camp. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

We already knew that Robert Hunt and David Moore would not play. Though their windows were opened by the Panthers (giving them 21 days to be activated), they remain on IR. If those two play, it will have to be in the postseason.

#Panthers inactives vs. #Bucs:

WR Hunter Renfrow
CB Robert Rochell
S D'Anthony Bell
S Demani Richardson
LB Claudin Cherelus
DT Jared Harrison-Hunte
DT Tershawn Wharton

— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) January 3, 2026

But that still doesn't cut everything down to 53 since neither of them were on the active roster. The Panthers had to rule out some players, and this is who they've chosen:

• Robert Rochell, CB
• Claudin Cherilus, ILB
• Hunter Renfrow, WR
• D'Anthony Bell, S
• Demani Richardson, S
• Jared Harrison-Hunte, DT
• Tershawn Wharton, DT

Wharton's absence hurts the most. Everyone else is expected, but Wharton was questionable coming in. Unfortunately, they'll be without a key figure up front. Wharton has been in and out with injuries all season.

Last time the Bucs and Panthers faced, the Bucs wanted to run the ball a ton. Wharton didn't play, but the Panthers held up well. Time will tell if they can replicate that success in the must-win game this afternoon.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers inactives vs. Panthers

Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (78) looks on before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Sometimes, who the other team doesn't have on a given gameday can be as impactful as who your team does have. The Panthers are mostly healthy, but the Bucs are missing a few pieces heading into kickoff.

Inactives for Week 1️⃣8️⃣ pic.twitter.com/PkFP69gMmc

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 3, 2026

Linebacker Anthony Nelson and cornerback Jamel Dean were ruled out a couple of days ago. And in perhaps the biggest news, IDL Calijah Kancey is active today. Here are the Bucs' inactives:

• Elijah Simmons, DL
• Elijah Klein, G
• Jamel Dean, CB
• Connor Bazelak, QB
• Sterling Shepard, WR
• Anthony Nelson, OLB

Despite some ailments, both Kancey and offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs will suit up and play. Early reports suggested Kancey might be on a snap count.

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