A Week After Two Picks and a Touchdown, Devin Lloyd Can't Play

Devin Lloyd's game against Atlanta last week was one of the best a linebacker has had in years: nine tackles, a sack, three pass breakups, two interceptions and a touchdown in a 34-3 win. It earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week. He won't play this week.

A calf injury kept him out of practice all week, and the Panthers ruled him out for Sunday against Cleveland. Bobby Okereke runs the defense, and veteran Tyrel Dodson, just promoted, plays for the first time this season. Rookie Jackson Kuwatch is there too.

The secondary is short as well. Safety Nick Scott (rib) is out, with Lathan Ransom and rookie Zakee Wheatley, who forced a fumble on his first career snap last week, stepping in. Special teams ace Claudin Cherelus (shoulder) is out. The good news is outside linebacker Patrick Jones II, back from a back injury for his first game of the year.

On offense, Jalen Coker is questionable with an ankle injury, but coach Dave Canales expects him to play; he leads the team with 204 yards and two touchdowns. Xavier Legette, who had a 55-yard catch against Atlanta, is a game-time decision.