The Panthers also have the benefit of Krys Barnes. The veteran linebacker has spent most of this season on the practice squad, being active for only one game, but his years of experience give the club a sense of comfort during an uncertain week.
"It's so valuable to have a guy that, a guy like Krys Barnes, who has called defenses, he's been the mike (middle linebacker), the green dot in different places, and that always gives us a lot of comfort," Canales admitted. "And it's also just that room as they have conversations, they're watching film, the more heads you have, more eyes you have on things, it just really strengthens the group."