Panthers’ starters at defensive end vs. 49ers might not include Julius Peppers

Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers is a nine-time Pro Bowler, the NFL’s active sacks leader and a future Hall of Famer.

And he might be coming off the bench Sunday in San Francisco.

Peppers, 37, who signed a one-year deal during the offseason to return to Carolina, is listed as a second-teamer on the depth chart, behind veteran Charles Johnson and speed rusher Mario Addison. Panthers coach Ron Rivera hasn’t said who will start, but the team plans to use a liberal rotation with all four of their ends (Wes Horton is the other).

“It really doesn’t matter because we all do the same. We’re all quick. We’re all strong. We’re all fast,” Addison said Tuesday. “Whoever’s in there is going…