The Carolina Panthers are riding a two-game losing streak into Week 9, but there’s still a lot of hopeful optimism around this team heading into the start of the week compared to how things seemed after Thursday night’s loss.

Defensively, the Panthers made the big decision to move on from defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley. The team promoted Todd Wash as the new interim defensive coordinator and brought back DeAngelo Hall to help coach the cornerbacks in this new scheme.

Offensively, the Panthers have big decisions still to come with the offensive line personnel after allowing 11 sacks in the past two games. The good news is, the offensive line unit will have a major reinforcement back this week that should help provide another option for this struggling group.

Panthers are expected to open the 21-day practice window for OL Brady Christensen

Speaking with reporters on Monday, head coach Dave Canales confirmed that the Panthers will be opening the 21-day practice window for offensive lineman Brady Christensen to return from the injured reserve. Christensen suffered a hamstring injury in late August after working his way back from a torn Achilles he suffered last season.

“(We want) to be able to see where he’s at from a football standpoint,” Canales said. “He’s healthy, he’s strong, he’s fit, and he’s ready to go. But, we got to get some football under his belt here. That’ll be a good addition to the group to evaluate where he can help us potentially.”

As far as the rest of the changes Canales hinted at on Friday expected to take place with the offensive line personnel, the team’s head coach didn’t dive into specifics there. We’ll see what the group looks like during Wednesday’s practice and where Christensen fits in.

It’s worth noting that Christensen has the ability to play all five positions, and has played all five positions throughout his time in Carolina. It’s a major piece to have back for an offensive line that has struggled at essentially every position up-front.

Through eight weeks (pending MNF), the Panthers have two tackles in the Top-20 in pressures allowed – including left tackle Rasheed Walker, who leads the NFL with 31 pressures allowed – along with Rob Hunt allowing the fourth-most pressures among all guards and Luke Fortner allowing the most pressures among all centers. Things haven’t been pretty up-front.

Christensen will be a major boost wherever the Panthers decide to put him and should be in the starting lineup somewhere. As for getting back into football shape, it’s also worth noting Taylor Moton and Tershawn Wharton played in the next game after having their respective windows opened, which bodes well for Christensen’s chances of suiting up on Sunday against the Denver Broncos saying he has a good week of practice.

More time needed for Xavier Legette and Jonathon Brooks

Two more offensive players were brought up on Monday that are currently on the injured reserve in wide receiver Xavier Legette (knee) and running back Jonathon Brooks (groin). Canales said both players are getting close to returning, but still need more time.

“We’re still considering all of those as well,” Canales explained. “Right now, Brady comes back to us in the best spot in terms of that group. We’ll start with Brady. We’re still evaluating the rest of the guys to figure out when that window will be.”

Legette and Brooks have each been out of action since Week 2’s win over the Atlanta Falcons and will be major sparks for this offense once they return. Legette brings the vertical element to the outside of this passing attack and Brooks brings a dynamic style to the backfield that could help keep Chuba Hubbard fresh.

However, it seems like we might have to wait another week until seeing either of those players back in action. It’s worth noting that teams only get six IR return designations to use and Christensen is already the third one for the Panthers.

Once Legette and Brooks return, the Panthers would then only have one more designation left to use with players such as Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, Akayleb Evans, and Thomas Incoom all on the IR as well.