Carolina Panthers linebacker Jaelan Phillips did not play against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Thursday due to a hamstring injury. The Panthers lost to the Packers, 27-19, and fell to 3-4, including 2-2 on the road.
Phillips has missed Carolina's past two games after aggravating his hamstring injury in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving the defense with a big hole.
The Panthers, however, could soon get one of their key defenders back after coach Dave Canales gave an encouraging update, as reported by The Athletic's Joe Person.
“Panthers OLB Jaelan Phillips (hamstring) is trending in the right direction and is considered day-to-day, per Dave Canales,” wrote Person on X.
In five games, the 27-year-old Phillips has logged 10 tackles, including two for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
It is unlikely that he will be ready by Week 9 against the Denver Broncos. If he sits out, Princely Umanmielen, Trevis Gipson, and Nick Hampton are expected to rotate at his position.
Fans underscored Phillips' importance to the Panthers.
“Hearing Will Lee and Jaelan Phillips are day-to-day is huge news for us. We need them this week for sure. #KeepPounding,” said @BigMike_NFL.
“We need Jaelan Phillips back ASAP to get some pressure on the QB,” added @Kdog739.
“I haven't smiled since Philly,” posted @mdmiltich.
Article Continues Below“Would be huge if he can play this week,” wrote @TarisYoung.
“120 million man back on the field would be huge! Injury-prone before he was signed. Hopefully, he can contribute,” echoed @terb11.
Phillips is in his first season in Carolina, signing a four-year, $120 million contract in the offseason.
He has been derailed by serious setbacks in his career, including an Achilles injury in 2023 and an ACL injury in 2024.