Frustrated Panthers enter the bye week at 2-6

"I went up and told him to keep his head up," Rivera said. "He is a heck of a football player. He is going to get chances to win football games for us and I believe that."

Notes: Rivera said the team could look to add a linebacker if Phillips or Williams is out for an extended period. One option, he said, is signing either Kion Wilson or Lawrence Wilson from the practice squad. ... The Panthers have until Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. to make a decision on whether to activate rookie cornerback Brandon Hogan, the team's fourth-round draft pick, from the physically unable to perform list. Hogan started practicing with the team two weeks ago after missing all of the preseason while recovering from an ACL he tore in December while playing for West Virginia. ... Rivera said he doesn't plan to make any personnel changes in the return game, even though the Panthers rank 29th in the league in kickoff and punt returns.