Haynes will miss at least the first four weeks of the season after landing on injured reserve. The veteran linebacker’s absence could be most felt in the passing game, after he totaled a career-high five sacks last season. Haynes will be eligible to return in Week 5 when the Panthers face the Lions.

A pass-rushing role player since 2018, Haynes has settled into the 300-snap/three-sack range. There are worse things. Heading into his age-29 campaign, Haynes' role does not figure to grow for 2022. 

Haynes was considered doubtful from interim coach Perry Fewell heading into the clash after he was unable to practice Friday. It will be the third straight game missed for the 26-year-old, and in his absence, Christian Miller will likely continue to see expanded depth snaps in Carolina's linebacker corps.

Haynes is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against New Orleans, but he didn't practice Friday and is trending in the wrong direction. If the 26-year-old is forced to miss a third straight contest, Christian Miller will likely continue to handle expanded rotational snaps in Carolina's linebacker corps.