The Carolina Panthers received bad news on Friday, leading up to the season opener, as the defense lost a player for the entire 2025-26 season. Reports indicate that a newly acquired cornerback who was primed for a spot on the active roster tore his ACL in practice.

Damarri Mathis, who was picked up off waivers by the Panthers on August 27, suffered a torn ACL in his first practice with the team, according to Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. The 26-year-old cornerback will now miss the 2025-26 campaign, and Carolina will likely have to make a roster move before the Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“ Panthers CB Damarri Mathis tore his ACL in his first practice on Wednesday.”

Mathis was initially picked up off waivers by the Panthers after being cut by the Denv

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