Carolina Panthers

Out

• WR Jerricho Cotchery (ankle) – Coaches need to decide if they’ll promote Brenton Bersin off the practice squad by Saturday. They could instead use Joe Webb as a fifth wideout instead of taking the risk of losing a guy after releasing him.
• T Daryl Williams (knee)

Doubtful

• LB Luke Kuechly (concussion) – “More than likely” will miss his second straight game.

Questionable

• DE Charles Johnson (hamstring) – Was limited in Friday’s practice after he sat out Wednesday and Thursday, but he should be good to go.
• RB Jonathan Stewart (knee) – Coach Ron Rivera didn’t make much of this during the week, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
• RB Fozzy Whittaker (shoulder)

Probable

• TE Richie Brockel (shoulder)
• S Roman Harper (not injury related)
• DE Wes Horton (shoulder)
• DT Star Lotulelei (ankle) – Appears ready to make his season debut. If he does, Panthers will likely have to deactivate one of their five DTs.
• DT Kyle Love (knee)
• G Trai Turner (knee)

New Orleans Saints

Out

• QB Drew Brees (right shoulder) – First missed start of his career since the 2009 season finale in Charlotte; Luke McCown will start for the first time since 2011.
• S Jairus Byrd (knee)
• G Jahri Evans (knee) – Senio Kelemete, an NFL reserve since 2012, will make his first career start.

Questionable

• LB Dannell Ellerbe (toe)
• CB Keenan Lewis (hip)

Probable

• WR Brandin Cooks (ankle) – Status looked murky after he missed two practices, but he went full on Friday.