Tre'von Moehrig's much-deserved suspension hurts the Panthers

Why Tre’von Moehrig was suspended

According to a league statement (via David Newton of ESPN), Moehrig’s punch violated “Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship, ” including, among others, “throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent.”’

Moehrig will appeal the suspension, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. If the league upholds the ban, he’ll miss the Panthers’ game against the Rams on Sunday.

Jennings will not sit out any games, meanwhile, though the league is reviewing his actions for a possible fine, Pelissero relays. He struck Moehrig’s facemask with an open hand and shoved him in retaliation before the two were separated following the game.

Moehrig admitted afterward that he would “most likely” receive a fine (via David Kaye of the Charlotte Observer). However, he claimed Jennings provoked the attack with trash talking and “dirty stuff” after plays.

Tre’von Moehrig deserved the suspension, but it hurts the Panthers

The Panthers fell to 6-6 on Monday. Their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread heading into a meeting with the 9-2 Rams, the NFC’s top seed. Going without Moehrig would make it all the more difficult for Carolina to pull an upset.

After Moehrig spent the first four years of his career with the Raiders, he joined the Panthers on a three-year, $51M contract last March. Moehrig has started in all 12 of the Panthers’ games this season while notching 81 tackles, an interception and a sack. He’s tied with fellow Panthers safety Nick Scott for the team lead in defensive snaps. Fourth-round rookie Lathan Ransom and Demani Richardson are on hand as depth options if Moehrig misses Week 13.