Panthers’ Tetairoa McMillan expect to play despite late injury report addition

By Ross Jackson

It appears the Carolina Panthers will have their top weapons as they host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon. 

Along with running back Rico Dowdle, the team reportedly expects wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to be available. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Saturday evening that, despite being a late addition to this week’s injury report with a hamstring injury, McMillan is expected to be ready to go. 

#Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan, who popped up on the injury report this week with a hamstring, is expected to play on Sunday, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 9, 2025

McMillan will be the next big test for a young Saints’ secondary that struggled against the Los Angeles Rams last week after building some momentum in the previous matchups. 

The first-round rookie wideout leads the Panthers with 558 receiving yards. He is the only pass-catcher on the team with more than 200 yards receiving. He also has a pair of touchdown catches on the year. He is only reeling in 59.4 of his targets, however. 

The Saints will need to find a way to limit McMillan through the air while containing Dowdle in the ground. The Panthers have gathered over 200 passing yards once this season, mostly competing with the offense’s rushing attack. 

Young corners Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley will have to hold up well in order to force Carolina into being one-dimensional.