Panthers Rejuvenated: How Four Key Returns are Set to Spark Carolina’s Week 1 will Surge Against the Jaguars

Photo by: Kevin Tolbert, ADSN

If you have questions about whether the Carolina Panthers have made significant improvements this year, the proof is in the roster. Getting some key players back in action has raised the team’s stock significantly from a year ago when the set multiple league lows on the stat sheets.

The Panthers are set to open their 2025 NFL season with a revitalized roster and a renewed sense of purpose, thanks in large part to the return of four pivotal players: Derrick Brown, Tommy Tremble, Austin Corbett, and Hunter Renfrow. Each of these athletes overcame significant physical setbacks—ranging from season-ending injuries to debilitating illness—and their presence in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars could prove to be the game-changer the team needs to get past the Jags secret weapon, Travis Hunter and a host of other weapons.

The biggest return is defensive tackle Derrick Brown. Brown’s absence in 2024 was felt like a seismic void in the Panthers’ defensive front. After suffering a torn meniscus in Week 1 of last season, Brown missed the remaining 16 games. Without him, Carolina’s defense collapsed, surrendering the most rushing yards per game in the league (179.8) and the second-most total yards (6,877).

Fast forward to Week 1 of the 2025 season, and Brown’s return has been transformative on the field where he leads by example and in the locker room where he is a veteran leader and captain. In limited preseason snaps, he showed flashes of his old dominance, and against Jacksonville, he is expected to get back to full throttle. “I’m excited to be able to go out there with a group of guys that has worked hard from OTA’s up to this point,” Brown said during a recent interview with reporters.

Brown’s ability to clog rushing lanes and command double teams frees up edge rushers and linebackers, allowing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero to deploy more aggressive schemes.

Brown’s return didn’t just improve the run defense—it restored the identity of the Panthers’ front seven. But just being back in the lineup isn’t enough for Brown. He wants one thing. “A win, that’s it. Just because I just back from injury doesn’t mean I don’t want the team’s success before mine.”

Austin Corbett’s journey back to the field has been a saga of resilience. After tearing his ACL in the final game of 2022, he returned in 2023 only to suffer an MCL tear in Week 11. Then, in 2024, a ruptured biceps tendon ended his season after just five games. That’s three major injuries in three consecutive seasons. “Well, the third time’s a charm. Just taking it day to day and enjoying the moment,” Corbett said.

Despite the setbacks, Corbett transitioned to center this offseason and enters Week 1 fully healthy. The Panthers’ offensive line, which had been porous and inconsistent, looks cohesive and confident and will depend on the depth the Corbett anchors with Ikem Ekwon listed as doubtful this week due to his ongoing recovery from an emergency Appendectomy.

Corbett’s leadership and communication at the line helps quarterback Bryce Young operate with poise, especially in third-down situations where Carolina converted at a low rate a season ago.

Corbett return has turned a liability into a strength that the team will depend on to get a tough road win in Jacksonville. “It’s hard to win games on the road. And the thing about winning in week one is a team that doesn’t beat themselves.”

Tommy Tremble reels in a pass during week 1 practice for the Carolina Panthers

Tight end Tommy Tremble underwent back surgery back in May and was placed on the physically unable to perform list during training camp. He was activated in the past week, and while he didn’t play in the preseason finale, head coach Dave Canales confirmed he was “running full speed” and ready for Week 1.

Tremble’s return brings a layer of versatility to Carolina’s offense. Known for his blocking prowess and sneaky route-running, he is one of the pass catchers that Young can utilize to improve YAC in tight situations. If Conales decides to beef up the offensive scheme with the tight end group to provide some different looks against Jacksonville, Tremble could score big provided he still has the athleticism displayed before his injury.

Tremble’s presence allowed the Panthers to run more two-tight-end sets, which helped disguise play calls and create mismatches. However, a Tommy Tremble that is a little less athletic might slow him down enough to improve his pass catching ability. “The staff and thraining staff have done a really good job of working me back into it,” Tremble said.

“The mental part is the biggest hurdle you gotta get over. But that’s what you gotta be in football. You gotta be mentally tough.”

In 2024, Tremble posted 23 receptions and garnered 234 receiving yards. His ability to contribute in both the run and pass game makes him a critical chess piece in Canales’ offensive scheme.

Hunter Renfrow makes the grab during Week 1 practice with the Carolina Panthers.

Hunter Renfrow’s story is perhaps the most inspiring. After battling ulcerative colitis throughout 2023 and sitting out the entire 2024 season, Renfrow’s football future was in doubt. He endured fevers of 103 degrees for seven consecutive days and questioned whether he’d ever return to the field. But return he did—and with flair. Signed by the Panthers late in the offseason, Renfrow was initially released during roster cutdowns but re-signed after Jalen Coker’s quad injury.

For Week 1, Renfrow should make gains in the slot role and deliver a vintage performance. “I think it’s just getting back to the fundamentals, getting back to the basics, not playing scared or afraid of getting hurt, and having fun,” Renfrow said.

“If you’re out of the game a little bit, you realize how your team means to you.”

Renfrow’s lateral quickness and route precision will give Young s similar type of target he had in Adam Thielen. Jaguars defenders will struggl to contain him, and his chemistry with Young is already evident. While Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan draw much of the spotlight, Renfrow can quietly carved up Jacksonville’s secondary to give McMillan a chance to shake off the rookie jitters. The reliable possession receiver should help move the chains en route to a tight victory for the Panthers.

With these four back in the lineup, Carolina’s chances of competing in the NFC South have dramatically improved. And once Ekwonu is back in the lineup, the chemistry on offense should ramp up as well. Despite that, the Panthers now boast a fortified offensive line, a rejuvenated defensive front, and a receiving corps with depth and experience.

The Panthers’ need a Week 1 win more than an eagle needs it’s wings in order to make a statement to the Carolina fanbase or the home opener in Week 3 could be another game where the opponent’s fans dominate the landscape.

Derrick Brown, Austin Corbett, Tommy Tremble, and Hunter Renfrow didn’t just come back—they came back better. And if their Week 1 performances match their enthusiasm, the Panthers are no longer rebuilding. They’re ready to contend.