Philadelphia Eagles won’t face one Panthers star but may see another

Well, Stephon Gilmore didn’t stay unemployed long. That shouldn’t be a shocker when someone this talented becomes available in October. Now, here’s why that affects the Philadelphia Eagles. Normally, any available star being on the market means we’re inundated with stories about how Philly’s in the running for their services.

This time, those rumors couldn’t get going. Shortly after the announcement that the New England Patriots reported that they were moving on from the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the Carolina Panthers swooped in and landed Gilmore after agreeing to exchange sixth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft for his services.

Yes, you’re correct Eagles fans. The Birds play the Panthers in Week 5, but this move shouldn’t affect the game much.

It’s doubtful that the Philadelphia Eagles face Stephon Gilmore in Week 5.

As most of you know, Stephon Gilmore has been hanging out on New England’s reserve/physically unable to perform list since August 31st. It’s doubtful he’d be ready for New England’s next game. It’s doubtful that he’d show up in Charlotte on Thursday or so, digest the playbook, and be ready for action by Sunday’s kickoff which is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST.

He’s good, but he isn’t a superhero. He’s also out of shape and still recovering from a quad injury that he suffered in 2020.

This is a move designed to benefit Carolina in the latter part of the season. Gilmore should be active at some point, and even though he isn’t what he once was after being in the league since 2012, having him should soften the blow of the Panthers losing their star rookie cornerback, Jaycee Horn, and another of their cover guys, Troy Pride Jr.

Carolina has also been without Christian McCaffrey who has been out since midway through Carolina’s third game with a hamstring issue, but he returned to the Panthers practice field on Wednesday and their hope is that he could be ready for action in Week 5.