The Carolina Panthers (1-2) head to Foxborough this afternoon to face the New England Patriots (1-2) in a Week 4 battle at Gillette Stadium.

Carolina is dealing with several key injuries on offense and will be without their starting tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (high ankle) in this matchup.

Their running back Chuba Hubbard is listed as questionable (calf), which may limit the ground attack. On the wider receiving side, rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan is also questionable with a calf injury.

With these absences, quarterback Bryce Young’s ability to spread the ball and rely on depth targets will be crucial.

The Patriots, meanwhile, hope to get CB Christian Gonzalez back from a hamstring injury as he readies to return. On the flip side, New England will be without guard Jared Wilson, who is ruled out. Their offensive line depth and pass protection integrity will be tested, especially with Carolina’s defensive front looking to exploit mismatches.

4 Things to Watch

1) Panthers’ offensive adjustments with Sanders out

Without Sanders, Carolina’s tight end production will shift to Tommy Tremble and backups. How Young distributes targets among his receivers and backs will be key.

2) Hubbard’s status and rushing workload

If Hubbard is limited or inactive, the Panthers will lean heavily on their backup options, which could make the offense more predictable.

3) Patriots’ pass defense with Gonzalez potentially returning

Gonzalez’s return could bolster the secondary against McMillan, Young’s top option. The matchup between Gonzalez and McMillan is one to monitor.

4) Line of scrimmage battles

With Wilson out and the Panthers’ offense impacted by injuries, New England might try to win via the trenches — pressure on Young and disruption in the run game could tilt this game.

Predictions

Carolina will be hard-pressed to move the ball consistently with injuries among their key offensive pieces. The Patriots, with a healthier roster and home advantage, may be able to lean on their defense to force turnovers and control the game flow. If Young is protected and can use his depth receivers, Carolina has a chance to stay in it, but New England should have the edge.

Projected Final Score: Patriots 24, Panthers 17

Injury Report

New England Patriots

G Jared Wilson — Out (Ankle / Knee)

CB Christian Gonzalez — Questionable (Hamstring)

LB K’Lavon Chaisson — Questionable (Knee)

G Mike Onwenu — Questionable (Shoulder)

Carolina Panthers

WR Xavier Legette — Out (Hamstring)

TE Ja’Tavion Sanders — Out (Ankle)

LB Pat Jones II — Out (Hamstring)

LB D.J. Wonnum — Out (Hip)

RB Chuba Hubbard — Questionable (Calf)

WR Tetairoa McMillan — Questionable (Calf)

DT Turk Wharton — Questionable (Hamstring)

How to Watch Panthers vs. Patriots

Kickoff for today’s game between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots is set for 1:00 PM Eastern at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

The game airs live on FOX throughout New England and the Carolinas.

So fans in those regions can tune in for free on their local FOX affiliate via antenna. FOX is also available at no additional cost through most cable, satellite, and live streaming packages.

Today’s game also streams live on the FOX Sports app and website.

If you’re a cordcutter without a livestreaming subscription, you can watch your regional broadcast for free by signing up for a trial with FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or DirecTV Stream.

YouTube TV also provides a 20-minute free preview without requiring registration.

Fans outside the regional broadcast areas can watch the game on YouTube’s NFL Sunday Ticket, starting at $34.50 per month.

Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots

Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM Eastern

Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

TV: FOX

Streaming: FOX Sports app and website