Panthers Placed Claudin Cherelus on Injured Reserve
The Carolina Panthers have signed linebacker Maema Njongmeta to the active roster following the injury move.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
The Carolina Panthers moved linebacker Claudin Cherelus to injured reserve on Saturday following a shoulder injury sustained during Week 2. To fill the vacancy, the team promoted linebacker Maema Njongmeta from the practice squad to the active roster.
Why it matters
Cherelus is sidelined for a minimum of four games due to his shoulder injury, forcing the Panthers to adjust their defensive depth. The roster change brings Njongmeta up to help solidify the linebacker corps as the team prepares for Sunday's game.
Claudin Cherelus recorded one tackle and played 36 special teams snaps through the first two weeks. Maema Njongmeta, his replacement, logged 10 tackles over 15 appearances with the Panthers last season.
The players
Claudin Cherelus
He is a linebacker for the Carolina Panthers who contributed primarily on special teams during the first two weeks of the season.
Maema Njongmeta
He is a linebacker who was promoted to the Panthers active roster after recording 10 tackles in 15 games for the team last season.
The details
Cherelus was ruled out on Friday before being officially placed on injured reserve on Saturday. The team also elevated Chris Moore and Anthony Tyus from the practice squad for Sunday's game against the Browns, while Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette remain questionable.
Timeline
Week 2: Claudin Cherelus suffered a shoulder injury.
Friday: Claudin Cherelus was ruled out for the week.
Saturday: Claudin Cherelus was placed on injured reserve.
Sunday: The Panthers play the Browns.
Season Trajectory
Roster adjustments due to injury represent a critical component of managing the 53-man squad throughout the long NFL season. Losing depth players like Cherelus requires teams to rely on practice squad talent like Njongmeta to maintain competitive balance in the division.
The promotion of Maema Njongmeta changes the Panthers' defensive rotation and special teams coverage assignments for Sunday. With Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette also listed as questionable, the team's available personnel for the game against the Browns remains in flux.
The takeaway
Injuries in the early weeks of the season force teams to quickly adapt their depth charts to avoid losing momentum. The move highlights the importance of maintaining an experienced practice squad capable of stepping into active roles on short notice.
Further reading
For additional updates on team news, visit the Football section.
