Moehrig—who is currently second on the team with 81 tackles and leads the group with 10 tackles for loss—does have the option to appeal the suspension, but Canales said he wasn't aware of what decision Moehrig and his agent would make in that regard.
The Panthers will now be without their veteran while facing one of the league's top offenses, the Los Angeles Rams, in Week 13. The safety will be eligible to return on Monday, December 1, which leads into the Panthers' bye week.
In the meantime, opportunities will open up for younger guys on the roster, such as Demani Richardson. The club, as Canales said, will look at options this week. They also signed veteran Isaiah Simmons to the practice squad on Tuesday.
While technically a linebacker, Canales concurred he could be an option to fill the box defender role Moehrig has been playing in games.
"We're going to figure that part out," Canales said, as to whether Simmons would be playing linebacker or safety. "He's also been a contributor on special teams, but he's a big, fast athlete, worth just bringing in, getting him out there, getting comfortable with our schemes and hearing our words."
Asked if Simmons has a chance to be elevated against the Rams, on a short week, Canales said, "He may."
Regardless of who is on the field Sunday, the coach's challenge is to embrace what will be a tough week, capped by an opportunity to make a statement.
"A short week has its challenges," Canales admitted, "but at the same time, this is the next championship opportunity, and we got to make sure that when the players roll back in tomorrow, we're ready to get back to our processes, get into the game plan, and get ready for the Rams."