It's clear, especially after an historic performance in Week 2, that Carolina Panthers inside linebacker Devin Lloyd must be protected at all costs. And no player may be taking that objective more seriously than fellow defender Trevis Gipson.
Sunday's 34-3 win over the Atlanta Falcons saw Lloyd record a pair of interceptions, one off starting quarterback Cooper Rush and the other off rookie Jack Strand. His second turned into a 16-yard return into the end zone for a touchdown, and was punctuated by quite the maneuver from Gipson . . .
Why did Trevis Gipson (#52) dive on ol boy’s head like that?!?! https://t.co/5HQcKCTwQ3
— Chris Lea - Sportscaster (@ChrisLeaTV) September 20, 2026
Following the victory, Gipson would explain his bizarre leap . . .
In a recent post Trevis Gipson explained his pile jump during
yesterday’s game, saying he was trying to avoid landing on Devin Lloyd. pic.twitter.com/Qbh6YEvbR3
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) September 21, 2026
While Lloyd was spared, the same could not be said for Falcons offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor—who took the brunt of Gipson's elbow drop. Unfortunately, that impact might've caused Taylor to exit the game with a rib injury.
Gipson played in 26 defensive snaps, recording one tackle and one pressure.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers defender explains his bizarre end-zone elbow drop from Week 2 win over Falcons
