Panthers' CB Stephon Gilmore Is Not Downplaying Week 9 Game Against Former Team

Published|Updated

Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore made an impact in his first game with his new team in Week 8.

In the Panthers' 19-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year recorded two tackles, one pass defensed and made a fourth-quarter interception in his debut after being sidelined since last December with a quad injury.

But as the Panthers head into their Week 9 game against the New England Patriots, Gilmore is also preparing to face his former team.

New England made the decision to trade Gilmore to Carolina in exchange for a 2023 sixth-round pick just a few weeks ago.

CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones reports that the South Carolina-native had interest in playing close to home, and the Panthers were interested in adding another cornerback to the mix due to injuries suffered at the position.

Gilmore began the season on the PUP list due to a torn quad suffered late last year, but he made it back just in time to take on his former team and added in the wake of first-round rookie Jaycee Horn breaking his foot. 

Gilmore made it known he's looking forward to seeing his previous team in what will be his first home game for his hometown team.

"Looking forward to it," Gilmore said.

When asked if the matchup with the team that traded him for a 2023 sixth-round pick meant "a little extra," Gilmore replied: "A lot extra," per Panthers.com.

New England (4-4) has now won three straight games, while the Panthers (4-4) have won one straight.

The Panthers will take on the Patriots at Bank of America Stadium in Week 9, with kickoff set for 4:05 p.m. EST.

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