CHARLOTTE — The Panthers got some needed reinforcements Saturday, activating three players from the COVID-19 list, and promoting six players from the practice squad.
The Panthers activated defensive ends Brian Burns and Marquis Haynes Sr. and linebacker Shaq Thompson from reserve/COVID-19.
The Panthers will still be missing pass-rusher Haason Reddick (reserve/COVID-19) and cornerback Stephon Gilmore (groin injury), but it at least gets them a functional lineup for Sunday's game against the Saints.
The Panthers filled in the rest of the blanks by promoting six from the practice squad.
Defensive end Austin Larkin is a standard elevation, and the other five were COVID-19 elevations: running back Spencer Brown, cornerback Madre Harper, offensive lineman Mike Horton, and tight ends Stephen Sullivan and Colin Thompson.
That gets them to a list of 55 eligible players for the game, though they're still dealing with a number of injuries.