The Panthers will add another defensive weapon to the mix this week, as defensive end Charles Johnson was activated from injured reserve Monday.
Johnson, who suffered a hamstring injury in a Week 3 win over the Saints, arrives just in time to take on the Cowboys and former Carolina defensive end Greg Hardy.
MORE: What we learned from the Panthers' lopsided victory over the Redskins | Panthers, Cowboys to go at it on Thanksgiving
Johnson's return comes at a good time, as defensive end Wes Horton was suspended four games for violating the league’s performance enhancing drug policy. Horton had played in eight of the team's 10 games, with two starts, and recorded one sack.
Johnson, who is second on the team's all-time sack list, had one sack through three games before his injury.
The Panthers traded for veteran pass rusher Jared Allen (who has a pair of sacks since being acquired by the Panthers) following Johnson's injury. Regardless, Johnson's return should bolster an aggressive Panthers defense that ranks fourth in total defense and second in sacks.
The Panthers are undefeated through 10 games, and will need to put pressure on Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo on Thursday to remain unbeaten. Romo returned from a broken collarbone to break the Cowboys' seven-game losing streak in a win over the Dolphins Sunday. That may be one reason why the 3-7 Cowboys are a slight favorite in Thursday's game.
Johnson's status for the game is unknown, but if he's ready to play, the Panthers may need him to.