The Carolina Panthers depth chart for Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season has been released ahead of the team’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 27.
According to the Panthers, there are no changes from the Week 2 depth chart. However, the lineup could still change before kickoff because of roster moves, signings or practice squad elevations during the week.
Panthers Depth Chart for Week 3
Carolina enters Week 3 with its existing depth chart intact. One of the notable areas to watch is the return game, where John Metchie III remains listed as the primary returner on both punts and kickoffs.
However, special teams could see some competition. Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Jalen Coker’s performance as a punt returner in Week 2 makes it difficult to remove him from that role.
Carolina also added former Panthers and New York Giants return specialist Ihmir Smith-Marsette to the practice squad on Tuesday, giving the team another option in the return game.
Panthers vs. Browns Week 3
The Panthers will travel to Cleveland for their Week 3 matchup against the Browns. The game is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27.
While the official Panthers depth chart remains unchanged from Week 2, special teams personnel could receive attention throughout the week. The returner situation is particularly worth monitoring because of Coker’s recent success and Smith-Marsette’s addition.
The Panthers will also have to prepare for a Browns roster that features several notable players across both sides of the ball.
Browns Depth Chart Adds Context
Cleveland’s unofficial Week 3 depth chart lists Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback, with rookie Shedeur Sanders behind him and Taylen Green also listed.
At running back, Quinshon Judkins is listed first, followed by Raheim Sanders, while Michael Burton is listed at fullback and Jaleel McLaughlin provides additional depth.
The Browns’ receiving group includes Jerry Jeudy, Tylan Wallace, Denzel Boston, Malachi Corley, KC Concepcion Jr. and Isaiah Bond.
On defense, Cleveland’s listed starters include Jared Verse, Maliek Collins, Mason Graham and Isaiah McGuire along the defensive front. The secondary features players such as Tyson Campbell, Denzel Ward, Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman.
Special Teams Could Be a Key Storyline
The Panthers depth chart story heading into Week 3 goes beyond the traditional offensive and defensive positions.
Metchie’s role as the listed primary returner remains important, but Coker’s Week 2 performance has created another option for Carolina. Smith-Marsette’s practice squad addition could also become relevant if the Panthers decide to make a change before Sunday.
Practice squad elevations and roster transactions can alter the game-day personnel, meaning the published depth chart should not necessarily be viewed as a guarantee of every player’s role on Sunday.
What to Watch in Week 3
The Panthers’ depth chart is officially unchanged from Week 2, but there are several areas worth monitoring before kickoff:
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John Metchie III: Remains listed as the primary punt and kickoff returner.
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Jalen Coker: Could continue seeing punt return opportunities after his Week 2 success.
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Ihmir Smith-Marsette: His addition to the practice squad gives Carolina another return-game option.
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Roster moves: Signings and practice squad elevations could affect the final game-day lineup.
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Panthers vs. Browns: Carolina heads to Cleveland for a 1 p.m. ET Week 3 matchup.
The Panthers’ Week 3 depth chart therefore provides a snapshot of the team’s current personnel while leaving room for changes before the game. Carolina’s return game, in particular, could remain a storyline as the team prepares for Cleveland.
Panthers Depth Chart: Week 3 Takeaway
For now, there are no changes to the Panthers depth chart from Week 2. The biggest personnel development is the addition of Ihmir Smith-Marsette to the practice squad and the possibility that Jalen Coker continues contributing as a punt returner.
Fans should continue checking the Panthers’ official updates throughout the week for any roster transactions or practice squad elevations that could affect the final game-day lineup against the Browns.
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