Home / NFL / Carolina Panthers Notebook: ILB Claudin Cherelus Poised For Start Vs. Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers Notebook: ILB Claudin Cherelus Poised For Start Vs. Atlanta Falcons

Jeff Hawkins Written by Sports EditorJeff Hawkins
Updated –
We may use AI tools to support content creation and editing. While we aim for accuracy via strict editorial standards, readers should independently verify important information. Ads on our site are served by Google AdSense and are not controlled or influenced by our editorial team.
Carolina Panthers Notebook: ILB Claudin Cherelus Poised For Start Vs. Atlanta Falcons

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Following last Sunday’s 17-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers inside linebacker Trevin Wallace started walking away from his locker when he was interrupted. 

When a reporter asked for a moment, the second-year professional declined the invitation. Asked quickly how he felt after injuring his shoulder during the uninspiring defeat, Wallace said: “I’m all right.” 

Apparently not. 

With Wallace ruled out for Sunday’s NFC South matchup at the Atlanta Falcons, backup Claudin Cherelus is slated to step into the starting lineup. The third-year pro worked with the ones during practice this week.  

“He did an excellent job,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said during Friday’s press conference. “It’s great to have Claud around here for a while now, in scheme, and to understand what we’re requiring of the inside linebackers to play.” 

In 28 career games, the prized special teamer is slated to make his third career start. Veteran Christian Rozeboom is listed to start next to Cherelus in the Panthers’ 3-4 base defense. 

Canales did not reveal if Rozeboom or Cherelus would wear the green dot, but added both have experience operating as the on-field leader, responsible for directing pre-snap instruction. In other roster moves, the Panthers on Saturday ruled out rookie safety Lathan Ransom. He will be replaced by Demani Richardson. Providing depth, linebacker Krys Barnes and safety Israel Mukuamu were elevated from the practice squad.  

Carolina Panthers Seek Repeat Effort Vs. Kyle Pitts 

During the Panthers’ 30-0 win over the Falcons on Sept. 21, former Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Pitts managed to haul in just four passes for 39 yards. He has 45 catches and 420 yards on the season. 

Can the Panthers continue to contain Pitts? They have, after all, struggled covering tight ends at times this season. 

“He’s a fantastic player,” Canales said. “We expect them to make him a part of what they are doing in their attack. 

“We will be aware of where he is at and we will have a plan to execute that.” 

Jeff Hawkins Written by Sports EditorJeff Hawkins
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  
All posts by Jeff Hawkins
Other News