CAROLINA PANTHERS


Linebacker Krys Barnes turned his first start as a Carolina Panther into a time-high 10 tackles (3 solo) in their 20-9 loss to San Francisco Monday. As a result, he was elevated to the 53-player roster.

In his first NFL start since the 2023 season, Carolina Panthers linebacker Krys Barnes stepped into the ineup in Monday’s 20-9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. 
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s soon as Jauan Jennings initiated a post-game altercation with Tre’von Moehrig for what video showed was a punch to the 49ers wide receiver’s groin area, Barnes leapt into action, bear-hugging Jennings and walking him away from the Panthers safety. 

With first-teamers Christian Rozeboom (hip/hamstring) and Trevin Wallace (shoulder) sidelined, Barnes, who spent most of the season on the practice squad, could be called upon to play a leading role down the stretch.

“I just want to prove to myself I do belong,” Barnes said last week. “I try to show it every day at practice and every opportunity.”

Stepping up 

Barnes was patient. 

After signing with the Panthers on Aug. 3, Barnes entered a linebacking room in flux. Out was expected starter Josey Jewell, who was released last July because of concussion concerns. In were Rozeboom and Wallace.  

Barnes, who entered the NFL with Green Bay Packers in 2020 as an undrafted free agent, continued prepping with the second and third units, bidding his time as an inactive asset for eight of the opening nine weeks. Barnes started 23 of his first 29 appearances with the Packers.  

“As a competitor, it’s hard, you want to be out there and play ball, especially on game day,” Barnes said. “I handle every week the same. You have to prepare as if you’re a starter. It’s the nature of the business. For me, the standard has been set. I’ll come in and try to uphold that standard and go from there.” 

Barnes finished Monday with a game-high 10 tackles, including three solo stops. Among his highlights, Barnes stopped McCaffrey for no gain on a third-and-1 early in the second quarter, but, along with two teammates, failed to tackle Jennings on his 12-yard touchdown catch and run on the game-opening drive.  

“I loved the way Krys played,” coach Dave Canales said during Tuesday. “He played physical and was playing good assignment football.”

With Monday’s start serving as Barnes’ third and final practice-squad elevation, the Panthers added him to the 53-man roster with the high-scoring Los Angeles Rams (9-2) at Bank of America Stadium Sunday.     

Familiar with Christian McCaffrey 

Barnes knew what to expect facing McCaffrey. He experienced enough as a member of the Arizona Cardinals.  

“I have a long history with him,” Barnes said. “He makes people look bad all the time.  He’s a hell of a back, much respect for him.” 

During his first full season with the 49ers in 2023, McCaffrey paced the NFL in rushing (1,459 yards). After missing 13 games last season with calf and knee injuries he looks rejuvenated in 2025, leading the league with 1,581 scrimmage yards. By the third quarter Monday, McCaffrey created seven first downs. 

Carolina defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero predicted what would happen if McCaffrey discovered rhythm, like he did when he touched the ball on the 49ers’ opening five plays. 

“You’re not going to have a good day if you’re asking guys to make a lot of one-on-one tackles against these runners,” Evero said.     

Barnes put it another way.   

“It comes down to being where you’re supposed to be,” he said. 

McCaffrey finished with 89 yards rushing on 24 attempts and one touchdown. He also added 53 yards on seven receptions. His 298 touches lead the NFL. 

Canales called the Panthers’ Monday performance “a game of missed opportunities.” 

Carolina intercepted 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy three times in the first half, leading to just three points. Canales’ run-first play-calling philosophy led to just nine carries and 54 yards combined by Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard.

“I’ve got to a better job,” Canales said. 

After spending nearly 24 hours as co-leaders of the NFC South, the Panthers (6-6) dropped back to second, a half-game behind Tampa Bay.

With special teams ace Claudin Cherelus sustaining a concussion Monday, the Panthers on Tuesday signed Isaiah Simmons to the practice squad. The 2020 eighth overall draft pick could play a hybrid role, adding depth at linebacker and safety.

“We hope to get Wallace back,” Canales said. “He’s week-to-week. We’ll look at the rest of the group to see who can help us.”

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