Is Punisher Going to be In Marvel's THE DEFENDERS Series?

Having the Punisher appear in The Defenders would realistically surprise no-one. But as of now, there hasn't been anything in the trailers or promotional advertising to show that he will be. This could be for many reasons, but there might just be some evidence he may be in it after all. 

In a recent e-mail to the press, Marvel and Netflix revealed who would be at the Defenders panel at Comic-Con this Friday the 21st. Amongst the people to be attending who were of course expected to attend revealed a very interesting name.

Panel Participants: Mike Colter, Finn Jones, Charlie Cox, Krysten Riter, Elodie Yung, Deborah Ann Woll, Jessica Henwick, Marco Ramirez, Jon Bernthal and Jeph Loeb

Whaaaaat? Jon Bernthal? Now, there are many reasons he is listed to appear on this panel. Namely the fact that, while not specifically apart of the Defenders, he is a part of the Netflix Marvel universe they have created. He is slated to have his own Netflix series that will be appearing after Defenders. So, is this just an appearance to promote his series, or, does he have a part to play in the Defenders series that we have yet to learn?

My own personal opinion is... yes. It would make sense to have him appear in some manner in The Defenders. Maybe not as a member but as a connecting thread to the next thing to come. In previous shows they have had appearances by characters from different series, and this could be his role for Defenders. Setting up whats next. What will be next? After defeating whoever the big bad is in Defenders, what's the next major threat? I'm excited to find out!