Panthers "hopeful" Jaelan Phillips, Monroe Freeling can return after Week 5 bye

The Panthers have a bye in Week 5 and that will give a couple of their injured players a little more time to heal before they are back on the field.

Head coach Dave Canales said at a Monday press conference that they are “hopeful” linebacker Jaelan Phillips and right tackle Monroe Freeling will be able to return for their Week 6 game against the Eagles. Phillips injured his hamstring in Sunday night’s win over the Lions while Freeling injured his knee.

Phillips had one tackle before leaving on Sunday and he has eight tackles and two sacks on the year. Freeling has started all four games this year.

Canales also said that the team expects running back Trevor Etienne (ankle) to return from injured reserve after the bye. Offensive tackle Taylor Moton (blood clots) and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton (neck) are waiting for medical clearance to return while offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee) is not close to a return at this point.