Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers is a nine-time Pro Bowler, the NFL’s active sacks leader and a future Hall of Famer.
And he might be coming off the bench Sunday in San Francisco.
Peppers, 37, who signed a one-year deal during the offseason to return to Carolina, is listed as a second-teamer on the depth chart, behind veteran Charles Johnson and speed rusher Mario Addison. Panthers coach Ron Rivera hasn’t said who will start, but the team plans to use a liberal rotation with all four of their ends (Wes Horton is the other).
“It really doesn’t matter because we all do the same.