After the Carolina Panthers got molly whopped by the New York Giants in Week 7, the franchise is desperate for any good news to surface. It seems they might have received some, as Stephon Gilmore could make his debut with the team against the Atlanta Falcons.

According to Around the NFL, Matt Rhule claims he is ‘hopeful' of Gilmore's return against Atlanta. If that's the case, the Panthers will receive a much-needed boost at the right time. Gilmore has been an elite cornerback in the league throughout his career, and his presence in the secondary provides Carolina with a more balanced defensive unit.

Carolina started the season off to a hot start but has fallen off their streak in recent weeks. Between the roster being incredibly young and the team dealing with multiple injuries, the Panthers have slowed down in production. There is plenty of time left for Carolina to make a playoff run, which makes Stephon Gilmore's return crucial to the franchise's success.

This news should still be considered as speculation for now, as there hasn't been any solidifying information that guarantees Gilmore's return. However, the Panthers desperately need his production, as they take on a Falcons team with a talented receiving core.

Kyle Pitts has emerged as an elite tight end the last two weeks, while Calvin Ridley is a monster of a wide receiver. After watching Carolina get torched by the Giants, this team needs help in the secondary in the worst way possible.

Even so, rushing Stephon Gilmore into the lineup could generate a more long-term issue. We'll see how this plays out, but Panthers fans should be excited about Gilmore's potential return in Week 8. If it doesn't happen, he's bound to make his Panthers' debut in Week 9.

Tune into the Panthers-Falcons game on Sunday, as it should be a doozy of an NFC South showdown.