Panthers' Marquis Haynes Sr. in line to make season debut

The Carolina Panthers activated outside linebacker Marquis Haynes Sr. to the 53-man roster for Thursday's game against the host Chicago Bears.

Haynes had been on injured reserve since the start of the regular season with a back issue. He was designated to return earlier this week by the Panthers, who are without two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns (concussion), while linebackers Justin Houston and Yetur Gross-Matos remain on injured reserve due to their respective ailing hamstrings.

Haynes, 29, has totaled 83 tackles and 13 sacks in 64 games (one start) since being selected by Carolina in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Also on Thursday, the Panthers elevated outside linebacker Eku Leota and wide receiver Mike Strachan from the practice squad.