The Panthers lost DT Derrick Brown to a meniscus injury in Sunday's loss to the Saints. Brown will need surgery, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, and that operation will determine how long Brown will be out. Pelissero calls it "potentially season-ending."
This news came as a surprise Monday morning after Brown played 60 of 66 defensive snaps in the opener.
Whatever time he misses will be a big blow to both the Carolina defense and IDP lineups.
Brown set the NFL record for tackles by a D-lineman in 2023, his fourth season in the league. He also earned Pro Football Focus' fourth-best overall grade among interior D-linemen last season, as well as the position's second-best grade in run defense. Brown also checked in 19th in pass-rushing grade among 215 interior linemen.
IDP managers should have an easier time replacing Brown than Carolina will.
The Panthers already traded away Edge Brian Burns this offseason and let LB Frankie Luvu leave for a big free-agent contract in Washington.
They imported Edge Jadeveon Clowney, Edge D.J. Wonnum, and LB Josey Jewell -- though Wonnum has opened the season on the PUP list following surgery for a late-2023 injury.
The group -- with Brown -- just finished allowing 47 points and 379 yards to a Derek Carr-led New Orleans offense.
Plan to start everyone you can against these Panthers.
Brown shouldn't see his long-term fantasy value disturbed, even if he misses the rest of this season. He'll be just 27 at the start of next season and heading into the second year of a contract that will keep him in Carolina at least through 2026.
Some DT (or two) that you've probably never heard of will get a lot more playing time while Brown is out. The top candidates look like Jayden Peevy and Nick Thurman, a pair of former undrafted free agents who have each played minimal roles across multiple seasons in the NFL.
Ideally, you'll have no Carolina D-linemen on any IDP rosters this season.
New England's Keion White, Minnesota's Harrison Phillips, and Denver's Zach Allen look like waiver options if you need to fill a DT-specific hole in your IDP lineup.
Check our Tuesday IDP waiver wire article and your Free Agent Finder for more targets to fit your specific situation.
Meniscus injuries typically lack clarity until the player has surgery, when doctors can determine exactly what kind of repair is needed and whether there's surrounding damage.
Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy endured a similar situation this preseason, when he learned he'd miss the season.
The good news is that players typically return well when they do get back onto the field. We'll watch for details on Brown's return timeline.
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