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The injury occurred during a pivotal 53-yard completion from Packers quarterback Jordan Love to wide receiver Christian Watson. Following the play, Lee was promptly ruled doubtful to return to the game. The incident also saw Watson sustain a chest injury, which required him to be transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Secondary depth pushed to the limit
The loss of Lee compounds an already difficult situation for the Panthers' defensive coaching staff. Carolina entered the matchup without starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn, who is dealing with a quad injury, and Mike Jackson, who is sidelined with a groin issue. Furthermore, Akayleb Evans, who had been serving as a fill-in starter, was unavailable due to a triceps injury.
Prior to Lee’s departure, the team had been utilizing practice-squad cornerback Marco Wilson to anchor the opposite side of the field. With Lee sidelined, the coaching staff was forced to rely on 2024 fifth-round draft pick
In a move to bolster their thinning ranks, the Panthers promoted rookie Malcolm DeWalt to the active roster. DeWalt made his NFL debut during the game, standing as the only other healthy cornerback available to the team as they trailed the Packers 20-10 with 1:35 remaining in the second quarter.
