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David Newton, ESPN Body editor
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is not expected to play in Sunday’s game against the Fresh Orleans Saints despite being listed as questionable, teacher Dave Canales said Friday.
Canales said veteran big receiver Adam Thielen and outside linebacker DJ Wonnum, both designated to return from the DL, also won’t play in games against the Saints at the Attic of America.
But Canales expects all three to be ready for the game later in Munich against the New York Giants.
“Guys who are certainly moving towards where we believe they can help us,” Canales said in Friday’s note. “We want to be completely safe for the guys and then for the team.”
The Panthers (1-7) will also be without left shooting against Ikem Ekwonu (ankle) against the Saints. Brady Christensen will step up from center shooting to replace Ekwonu, and Cade Mays will start at center.
Carolina enters Sunday on a five-game losing streak. The Saints (2-6), who beat the Panthers 47-10 in the opener, have lost six immediately.
This will be the first month in which two teams have met and each has lost at least five instant games since Life 18 of the 2022 season, when the Fresh York Jets and the Miami Dolphins met, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
It will be the third month since 2002 that two NFC South teams with losing streaks of at least five games meet.
