The Carolina Panthers were able to hold onto a fourth-quarter lead on Thursday, but they suffered several key injuries in the process.

The Panthers won for the third time in four games by holding off New Orleans, 23-20. Carolina carried a 23-3 lead into the final period, one week after blowing a 17-point lead in a loss to Kansas City.

The Panthers finished the game without former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly (KEEK’-lee), two-time All-Pro center Ryan Kalil, defensive end Mario Addison and cornerback Leonard Johnson, all because of injuries. Kuechly sustained a concussion and was taken off the field on a cart late in the fourth quarter.

Cam Newton had an uneven performance, completing just 14 of 33 passes for 192 yards. Newton hit Ted Ginn Jr. for a 40-yard TD as the Panthers pulled even with New Orleans for third place in the NFC South at 4-6.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees (breez) threw both of his scoring passes in the final 11 1/2 minutes and finished with 285 yards.

New Orleans running back Mark Ingram suffered a concussion in the third quarter.