Jackson, Short out vs. Texans

The Panthers will face the Texans today without CB Donte Jackson (groin) and DT Kawann Short (shoulder). Both are inactive after entering the day questionable. Their absences ding a defense already facing 1 of the league's more high-powered offenses. DE Bruce Irvin will play for the first time this season. He also entered questionable with a hamstring injury. We'll see how his return affects the playing time of rookie Brian Burns. The rookie should be your IDP play for Week 4, though, in an upside spot.

The Panthers on Saturday activated DE Brian Burns and LB Shaq Thompson from the COVID list. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports both will play Sunday against the Saints.

Panthers CB Rasul Douglas (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions. He landed on the injury report as a limited participant Friday after opening the week not listed. We'll check his status Sunday. The team will likely miss CB Donte Jackson (toe), who is doubtful.

Panthers CB Donte Jackson is active for today's game against the Saints. He entered the day questionable with a toe injury and still makes for a risky, low-floor IDP play. Carolina will be missing CB Rasul Douglas, who is on the COVID list. Troy Pride Jr. will start in his place. That can only help a matchup that was already positive for Saints receivers.

The Panthers have ruled DT Kawann Short (foot) and DE Yetur Gross-Matos (concussion) out for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. That can only help the matchup for QB Tom Brady and the rest of the Bucs offense.

Panthers S Eric Reid and DE Mario Addison (chest) are active for today's game against the Seahawks. He was a late addition to the injury report because of an illness but looks good to go for IDP lineups. Addison should start in most cases as well.