The Carolina Panthers' defensive blueprint for their Week 11 matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday could require adjustments following the latest update on outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips. After participating fully in Wednesday's practice, the pass rusher was downgraded to limited on Thursday's injury report because of his lingering hamstring issue.
Phillips' reduced workload comes after he missed three consecutive games with the injury. He initially suffered the problem in Week 4 versus the Detroit Lions before aggravating it during his first game back against the Philadelphia Eagles following the bye week. Carolina has since taken a cautious approach with the defensive playmaker.
His absence has affected the Panthers' ability to generate pressure. Phillips recorded 2.5 sacks and six quarterback hits across his first five appearances. However, Carolina managed just one sack and four quarterback hits throughout his three-game absence. Patrick Jones II accounted for the team's only sack against the Denver Broncos last week.
Although Phillips' full participation on Wednesday appeared encouraging, that session was only a walk-through, making Thursday's limited designation a more telling development.
Phillips was not the only starter whose practice status changed Thursday. Left guard Damien Lewis (knee) also went from full participation to limited, while linebacker Bobby Okereke (foot) was the only player who did not practice. Cornerback Will Lee III (hamstring), who missed last week's game, returned to full participation, as did starting cornerback Mike Jackson (groin).
The Panthers will be hoping Phillips can return soon, given the difference his pass-rushing production could make to their defense.