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The Panthers will be without the starting defensive lineman Sunday against the Saints, after he was a late addition to the injury report with a hamstring issue.

For the Panthers players who have been in similar positions -- and there aren't many -- the message this week has been about the game in front of them and only that one.

The team brought linebacker Isaiah Simmons up from the practice squad this week, and added defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton to the injury report.

From stopping Tyler Shough to achieving a balanced offensive attack, and of course embracing a "championship opportunity," here are five things to watch as the Panthers take on the Saints.

The Panthers are wearing the traditional white on white this weekend on the road, and the last time they had it on, it went pretty well for them.

The Panthers game will air on FOX at 4:25 p.m. ET.

None of the players on the injury report have game status designations, meaning everyone is ready to go Sunday in New Orleans.

Each Friday, the Panthers CBs take around 10 minutes to run their own red zone drills. Sometimes it's just Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, sometimes others. But it's always a showdown.

As the Panthers rookie class looks to help the team make the playoffs for the first time since 2017, the group is also learning how to balance the excitement with the focus that's needed each week.

The Saints derailed the Panthers in the first meeting by shutting down the run. Dave Canales knows that keeping that half of the offense engaged is critical to their success.