Cherelus and the Panthers agreed to terms on a contract Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old has appeared in 27 regular-season games (six starts) for the Panthers over the last two seasons, recording 60 total tackles and one pass defensed. Following his new deal with Carolina, Cherelus is expected to operate as one of the team's top reserve inside linebackers during the 2026 season.

Cherelus posted 32 tackles (14 solo) and a pass defended across 14 regular-season games during the 2025 campaign.

EDGE Analysis

Cherelus racked up a career-high 32 tackles despite missing three games due to injuries. The 26-year-old was most productive toward the end of the season after taking over as one of the Panthers' starting inside linebackers in December following Trevin Wallace's placement on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Cherelus is now set to become a free agent this offseason.

Cherelus (calf/ankle) was a full participant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cherelus was unable to play Week 18, but he appears fully on track for Saturday's wild-card round matchup against the Rams. Across 14 regular-season appearances in 2025, Cherelus tallied a career-high 32 tackles (14 solo) and one pass defensed.

Cherelus (calf/ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old from Alcorn State sustained ankle and calf injuries during the Week 17 loss to the Seahawks and didn't practice throughout the week, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Saturday. Cherelus had been filling in for the injured Trevin Wallace (IR, shoulder) in Carolina's linebacker corps, recording 32 total tackles and one pass defensed over 14 appearances this season. While Cherelus is out in Week 18, expect Bam Martin-Scott to start alongside Christian Rozeboom.

Cherelus (calf/ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Cherelus still has a walking boot on his left foot Wednesday, per Joe Person of The Athletic. Though he'll have one more chance to take the practice field Thursday, he seems an unlikely candidate to be cleared in time for Sunday's road matchup against the Buccaneers. Bam Martin-Scott will handle an expanded role on defense Week 18 if Cherelus is unable to play.

Cherelus (calf) did not participate in Tuesday's walk-through practice, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kaye observed that Cherelus was present in the facility for Tuesday's session but was only seen watching in a walking boot. The linebacker's presence around preparations for Saturday's divisional game with the Buccaneers should be a positive sign for his availability, but he will need to get on the field in one of the next two practices if he hopes to dodge an injury designation and suit up for Week 18.

Cherelus is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Seahawks due to a calf injury, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cherelus appeared to sustain the injury late in the second quarter, and he's being evaluated by medical staff to determine whether he can return to Sunday's game. Bam Martin-Scott will see more snaps on defense for as long as Cherelus is out of the game.

Cherelus will start Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cherelus will make a spot start at inside linebacker in Trevin Wallace's (shoulder) absence. In 12 appearances (two starts) this season, Cherelus has 24 tackles (eight solo).

Cherelus (concussion) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Cherelus suffered a concussion in Week 12 against the 49ers that caused him to miss Week 13. The 26-year-old opened the week as a limited participant after having a chance to rest over the Panthers' bye week. The third-year pro was on track to return after two straight full practices and has now officially cleared the NFL's concussion protocol. Cherelus will continue to handle rotational duties at interior linebacker in his return.

Cherelus (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Dave Canales has stated that Cherelus is on track to suit up for Sunday's road matchup against the Saints, but he still needs to fully clear the NFL's concussion protocol. Once he's been cleared by an independent neurologist, Cherelus will resume handling a rotational role at interior linebacker for the Panthers.