Jason

Williams

Gaither’s loss is bad news for a team already missing Thomas Davis and Jon Beason. Jason Williams, who started in Weeks 3 and 4, will take Gaither’s place. Gaither will likely return following the Panthers’ Week 9 bye. Opposing running backs remain a must-start against Carolina’s 28th ranked run defense.

The Eagles needed the roster spot for DT Mike Patterson (brain surgery), who was activated from the NFI list. Williams played in two games for Philly but didn’t register on the stat sheet.

Williams spent 2011 with Carolina and knows Ron Rivera’s defense. He returns as depth and special teams help, but is unlikely to push for defensive snaps.

Moten lasted just one week on the roster as Brian Rolle’s replacement. The Eagles will give Williams a shot in the backup linebacker/special teamer role.

Jason started two games last season, recording 15 tackles and a fumble recovery before tearing his ACL. The Panthers figure to struggle against the run going forward after losing Davis and MLB Jon Beason already this season. We wouldn’t bother targeting either of the Williamses in IDP leagues.

Phillips, who was claimed off waivers from the Ravens a month ago, will be making his first career NFL start. He replaces Jason Williams, who has been benched due to lack of production. The Panthers’ defense will continue to be one to attack for fantasy purposes.

The youngsters’ roles could be much bigger than that, though, with 34-year-old Keith Brooking coming off knee surgery. Williams, a 2009 third-round pick, didn’t earn defensive snaps in his first season. Lee, whom Dallas had 14th overall on its 2010 draft board, is likely more NFL-ready than Williams right now even though the former Penn State Nittany Lion is a rookie.

Rookie Sean Lee is apparently with the twos. Williams was a third-round pick in 2009 and offers explosiveness up the middle, so Lee is far from a shoe-in to beat him out. Brooking’s status for the start of training camp is unknown.

Campbell and Russell were both waived/injured. The No. 69 pick of the 2009 draft, Williams appeared in seven games between the Panthers and Eagles last season.

Turning 28 in April, Williams did not contribute on defense last season, but did rack up three special teams tackles. He’ll play the same role if he makes Carolina’s roster. Williams is a former third-round pick of the Cowboys.