After a largely disappointing season-opening display, the Carolina Panthers quickly shifted gears in Week 2—dominating the Atlanta Falcons en route to a 34-3 win. But the dominant outing seemed to have come at a price.
Here are our top storylines for the Panthers' Week 3 tilt against the Cleveland Browns . . .
The QB on defense
What was that price, you ask? Well, Devin Lloyd, who put on one of the greatest performances you'll ever see out of a linebacker, is a bit worse for wear following last week's victory.
Lloyd became the first player in NFL history to record at least eight tackles (he had nine), a sack, two interceptions and an interception return for a touchdown in a game. But a calf injury kept him out of practice all week and will sideline him on Sunday.
As a result, fellow starter Bobby Okereke will take over duties as the green-dot 'backer—making him this week's defensive signal-caller. Okereke, who also tallied nine tackles and a pick in Atlanta, is no stranger to the role either—having served as the middle man as recently as last season, with the New York Giants.
Per head coach Dave Canales, he'll be joined in the starting lineup by Tyrel Dodson—a late-summer add. Dodson is coming off career-highs in combined tackles (129) and sacks (5.0) from his 2025 campaign with the Miami Dolphins.
Can Okereke and Dodson hold it together in Lloyd's stead and keep this Carolina defense on the right track?
The QB on offense
Now, for the actual quarterback—who's off to the best start of his four-year NFL career.
Bryce Young came out of Week 2 tied for the most passing touchdowns (six) and having thrown for the second-most yards (648). Excluding the Thursday nighter between the Falcons and Green Bay Packers, Young also ranks third in yards per attempt (8.9), second in completions of 20 yards or more (10), sixth in passer rating (113.3) and seventh in EPA per play (0.308).
While some may argue that those numbers came against a subpar Chicago defense and an Atlanta unit that's missing a few key pieces, there's no doubting how different (not derogatory) Young looks here in 2026. Between his development and the work of first-year play-caller Brad Idzik, the former No. 1 overall pick actually looks like a No. 1 overall pick.
Will he maintain that production in Cleveland? Even sans two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, the Browns defense presents a few challenges—including their heavy use of man coverage.
The RB . . . on offense
What position would be the defensive equivalent of a running back?
Anyway, Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard seems to have shaken off his injury-riddled 2025 form. Instead, he's appearing much closer to his 2024 form—where he rushed for career-highs in yards (1,195) and touchdowns (10).
But he's just lost his backup, as second-stringer Jonathon Brooks is now shelved with a groin injury. Brooks could miss anywhere from six to eight weeks after needing surgery, leaving the room a bit thin behind Hubbard.
Sixth-year veteran AJ Dillon will now pick up the additional work, and the team is expected to elevate youngster Anthony "Tre" Tyus III from the practice squad this weekend. Carolina might also bring in an outside option in 31-year-old free agent Austin Ekeler, who had a workout on Wednesday, and/or wait for 2025 fourth-round Trevor Etienne to come off injured reserve for Week 6.
As that situation sorts itself out, Hubbard may have to reach back for a little something extra and serve as an old-fashioned bell cow in Cleveland.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Biggest storylines for Panthers vs. Browns in Week 3
