Panthers elevate 2 players for Week 8 matchup vs. Texans

In what’s become a painfully recurring theme this season, the Carolina Panthers needed to bring up some reinforcements for their ailing defense.

This week, with the 3-3 Houston Texans coming to town, the team has elevated rookie outside linebacker Eku Leota and safety Matthias Farley from the practice squad. Darin Gantt of Panthers.com was first with the news on Saturday afternoon.

Leota, an undrafted free-agent signing out of Auburn University, may be making his NFL debut in Week 8. That could hinge on the status of fellow backer and two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns, who is listed as questionable for the contest due to an elbow injury.

Farley, with safety Vonn Bell already having been ruled out, will be making his third trip up. He played 63 defensive snaps in the Week 6 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the third-highest total for the unit.

Being that Sunday will mark his third call-up, the 31-year-old veteran will either have to be waived or signed to the active roster heading into Week 9.