Panthers rule out Will Lee III for Saints game at Caesars Superdome
Carolina made rookie cornerback Will Lee III inactive for its Week 10 game at the Saints, so practice squad players Marco Wilson and Corey Thornton started.
Livefeed News DeskUpdated · 2 min read
Quick answer
The New Orleans Saints hosted the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday, 15 November, in Week 10. Carolina declared rookie cornerback Will Lee III inactive with a hamstring injury, so practice squad elevations Marco Wilson and Corey Thornton started for a second straight week. All four NFC South teams entered the day with three wins.
Key facts
- Panthers rookie cornerback Will Lee III was inactive with a hamstring injury.
- Practice squad elevations Marco Wilson and Corey Thornton started at cornerback.
- Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was a healthy scratch (coach's decision).
- All four NFC South teams went into the weekend with three wins.
Panthers short at cornerback
Carolina went into Sunday's game in New Orleans again starting two practice squad cornerbacks. Rookie Will Lee III was inactive after being listed as questionable with a hamstring injury he suffered in Green Bay, the same injury that kept him out of the previous week's game against the Broncos.
Marco Wilson and Corey Thornton, both elevated from the practice squad, started in his place, as they did against Denver. Nickel Chau Smith-Wade and rookie special teamer Malcolm DeWalt IV were the only other healthy cornerbacks on the active roster.
Jets inactives: DB Jarvis Brownlee Jr, WR Tim Patrick, ED Nate Lynn, TE Jelani Woods and LB Trevin Wallace.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 15, 2026
Brownlee missed some practice time due to an illness. Patrick, Lynn and Woods are healthy scratches. #Jets
Here are the Chiefs’ inactives for today’s game against Atlanta:
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) November 15, 2026
RB Ken Walker
DT Peter Woods
OT Jaylon Moore
QB Garrett Nussmeier
FB Ben VanSumeren
CB Melvin Smith
RB Jaydn Ott
Full inactive lists
Besides Lee, the Panthers deactivated tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders, emergency third quarterback Haynes King, running back AJ Dillon, linebacker Bobby Okereke, center Sam Hecht and defensive tackle TeRah Edwards. Sanders, a coach's decision, had made his 2026 debut on special teams against the Broncos in Week 9.
The Panthers' report also lists New Orleans' inactives: quarterback Zach Wilson (designated third quarterback), safety Mike Reid, running back CJ Donaldson, linebacker Jaylan Ford, tackle Taliese Fuaga and center Erik McCoy.
Other Panthers lineup changes
Starting left guard Damien Lewis returned, and Carolina kept Torricelli Simpkins III and Corey Bullock as interior backups, both able to play center. The team also activated receiver Xavier Legette from injured reserve.
Why the game matters in the NFC South
All four NFC South teams woke up on Sunday with three wins, so the division remained wide open. The sources do not include a kick-off time or a result. Carolina's next game is in Week 11 against the Ravens on 22 November.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the Saints playing today?
The Saints hosted the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday, 15 November, in Week 10.
Is Will Lee III playing against the Saints?
No. The Panthers rookie cornerback was inactive with a hamstring injury.
Which Saints players are inactive?
Zach Wilson (designated third quarterback), Mike Reid, CJ Donaldson, Jaylan Ford, Taliese Fuaga and Erik McCoy were listed as inactive.
Who do the Panthers play next?
Carolina faces the Ravens in Week 11 on 22 November.
