While the offensive changes are coming this week, the different defensive personnel lineups are still in question. Pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney did not practice all week after leaving the Week 5 game against the Bears with a shoulder injury. His official status against the Falcons is in doubt and according to Canales it will be a game day decision. This leaves some options on the active roster to take over pass rushing duties should Clowney officially be sidelined on Sunday.

The Panthers have brought in some new faces lately; Well, one new face and one familiar face: Shaq Lawson and Marquis Haynes Sr. Both are currently on the practice squad, but Canales said Friday that activating one or both is “a possibility.”

The duo’s main question, Canales admitted, is whether or not they are in game shape after less than a week in Charlotte. However, their actual footballing acumen is not a problem given their vast experience. Lawson, a former first-rounder, has appeared in 109 games with 207 tackles and 26 sacks over his career. Haynes has 99 tackles and 14 sacks in his 71 games, all with the Panthers.

“Only experienced players who know how to use their hands,” Canales said of the two. “They had a plan in place for the running game, for the passing game, you know, nice toolboxes in the pass rush and things like that.”

“So it’s just a matter of keeping an eye on them and feeling confident that they’re ready to play football.”