Panthers scratch DE and sack leader Hardy; LB Shanle inactive for Saints

Carolina has scratched defensive end Greg Hardy from Sunday's season finale against New Orleans.

Hardy leads the Panthers with 11 sacks. He was not injured but excused from practices during the week for a family matter and was listed as questionable.

The Saints deactivated linebacker Scott Shanle, who concludes his seventh season with the club as a healthy scratch for the eighth straight game.

New Orleans' other inactives include starting cornerback Jabari Greer, who was ruled out Friday with a concussion, and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, who has a left knee injury.

Most of the Panthers' scratches are injured, including running back Jonathan Stewart with a left ankle injury, and center Geoff Hangartner with a foot injury.

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