With their best pass rusher unlikely to suit up on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers could really use the veteran edge defenders they signed over the past week. And according to head coach Dave Canales, one or both of those players may be up for the weekend.
Canales spoke with reporters for the final time ahead of his team’s Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, one that is doubtful to include injured starting outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. He was asked if Marquis Haynes Sr. and/or Shaq Lawson, who were both added to the practice squad recently, might be available for the contest in light of Clowney’s status.
“That’s a possibility, that’s why they’re here,” Canales replied. “So we can evaluate them and see if they can help us on Sunday.”
Haynes Sr., who spent each of his previous six NFL seasons in Carolina, returned last Friday. The 2018 fourth-round pick amassed 6.0 sacks for the Panthers over 24 games between 2022 and 2023.
Lawson, a former first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills, is set to enter his ninth pro campaign. He appeared in 16 outings for the Bills this past season, recording 1.0 sack and one start.
Canales later described what he’s seen out of Haynes Sr. and Lawson thus far.
“Yeah, just veteran players,” he said. “Know how to use their hands. They got a plan for playing the run game, playing the pass game. Nice toolboxes in the pass rush, and those things. So again, it’s just a matter of getting eyes on them and feeling comfortable about them being ready to play football.”
Through five games, the Panthers have tallied just 6.0 sacks—tied for the second-lowest amount in the league.
