Tag: Carolina Panthers

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Report: Panthers DL Derrick Brown (knee) could be out for season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Derrick Brown reportedly sustained a potentially season-ending knee injury during Sunday’s season-opening loss at New Orleans.

NFL Network reported Monday that Brown’s meniscus injury will require surgery, with his timeline determined during that procedure.

It was not immediately clear when the injury occurred during the Panthers’ lopsided 47-10 loss to the Saints. He recorded three tackles and played 60 of Carolina’s 66 defensive snaps.

A Pro Bowl selection in 2023, Brown has started 64 of his 67 games since Carolina drafted him with the seventh overall pick in 2020 out of Auburn. He signed a 4-year, $96 million contract this offseason.

Brown, 26, has recorded eight sacks, 48 quarterback hits, 21 passes defensed, two interceptions and 248 tackles.

–Field Level Media

Nov 5, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson (30) reacts after breaking up a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (not pictured) in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Panthers signing ex-Bills CB Dane Jackson

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Carolina Panthers are signing cornerback Dane Jackson to a two-year deal worth up to $14.5 million, NFL Network reported Wednesday.

He spent the past four seasons with Buffalo, which drafted him in the seventh round in 2020 when Panthers general manager Dan Morgan was in the Bills’ front office.

Jackson, 27, started 28 of his 52 games with the Bills and contributed three interceptions, 28 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and 152 tackles. He recorded 39 tackles in 15 games (six starts) in 2023.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst (81) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Panthers planning to release TE Hayden Hurst

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The Carolina Panthers plan to veteran tight end Hayden Hurst, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.

The 30-year-old veteran is due a $1.85 million roster bonus on March 16.

Hurst finished the 2023 season on injured reserve following complications after sustaining a concussion.

He caught 18 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown in nine games (eight starts) prior to the injury on Nov. 9.

Hurst reportedly was diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia and went through a slow recovery before clearing concussion protocol in early January.

“It’s starting fresh,” Hurst said on Jan. 8 of his viewpoint entering the offseason. “It’s another prove-it year for everyone in this locker room. It’s actually, for me and my mindset, it’s a great thing. I get to go back to work. Tear it all down and start fresh this offseason.”

Hurst spent his first two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, who selected him No. 25 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, followed by two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and one with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has 195 catches for 1,902 yards and 15 touchdowns in 79 games (39 starts).

–Field Level Media

Nov 10, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) reacts in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Panthers parting ways with CB Donte Jackson

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The Carolina Panthers are expected to release or trade veteran cornerback Donte Jackson, ESPN reported Monday.

Jackson, 28, has a $4 million roster bonus due March 16. His release would save $5.9 million against the salary cap.

He made 16 starts in 2023 and recorded 59 tackles, five passes defensed and one forced fumble.

The 2018 second-round pick has 14 interceptions and 303 tackles in 80 games (76 starts) for the Panthers.

Jackson is heading into the final season of a three-year, $35.2 million extension signed in March 2022.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers helmet on the sidelines in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Panthers keeping DC Ejiro Evero

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The Carolina Panthers will retain defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and most of the defensive staff under new head coach Dave Canales, ESPN and The Athletic reported Monday.

Evero, 43, just completed his first season in a three-year contract with Carolina and had interviewed for head-coaching vacancies with the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons and Panthers.

Several teams reportedly were interested in Evero as a defensive coordinator, but the Panthers have the power to block lateral moves and used it on at least three teams’ requests, according to reports.

“This is really important for me,” Canales said at his introductory news conference Thursday of keeping Evero on staff. “Especially as a first-time head coach who’s like, ‘I’m here to make sure we get our football right.’”

Evero joined then-coach Frank Reich’s staff in Carolina last season after serving as the defensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos in 2022.

Before joining the Broncos under former head coach Nathaniel Hackett, Evero was an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Rams (2017-21), Green Bay Packers (2016), San Francisco 49ers (2011-15) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2007-09).

Canales was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator in 2023 and faced the Panthers and Evero’s defensive schemes twice. Though the Bucs won both games, 21-18 and 9-0, Canales said the Carolina defense was “really hard to deal with.”

“Great, sound football, playing hard, some great players in some spots, and just the whole thing coming together,” Canales said.

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers promote Dan Morgan to general manager

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The Carolina Panthers promoted Dan Morgan to president of football operations/general manager on Monday.

Morgan, 45, a former first-round draft pick and Pro Bowl linebacker for the Panthers, had served as assistant GM for the past three seasons.

“Dan has a thorough knowledge of our football personnel and a clear vision to take us where we all want to go,” Panthers owner David Tepper said in a statement. “We know he will attack this opportunity with the same intensity he did as a Panthers player.”

The Panthers fired Scott Fitterer after their 2-15 season.

Morgan played from 2001-07 for the Panthers, who made him the 11th overall pick of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Miami, where he was an All-American. He won the Nagurski, Butkus and Bednarik awards en route to induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

He totaled 390 tackles, five interceptions and seven sacks in 59 games (all starts) for the Panthers, made the 2001 All-Rookie Team, played in Super Bowl XXXVIII in the 2003 season and was a Pro Bowler in 2004.

Morgan worked in the front office of the Seattle Seahawks for seven seasons, rising to director of pro personnel for 2015-17. He was with the Buffalo Bills from 2018-21 as director of player personnel.

In addition to Morgan, Carolina reportedly also interviewed assistant general managers with the Giants (Brandon Brown), Eagles (Alec Halaby), Buccaneers (Mike Greenberg), Saints (Khai Harley) and Colts (Ed Dodds); Chiefs vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis; Ravens VP of football administration Nick Matteo; Raiders interim GM Champ Kelly; and Lions chief operating officer Mike Disner.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers weather Falcons on Eddy Pineiro’s late FG

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Eddy Pineiro kicked a 23-yard field goal as time expired and the Carolina Panthers turned their lone lead of the game in a 9-7 victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon at rainy Charlotte, N.C.

The game-winning drive covered 90 yards on 17 plays, chewing up the final 7 minutes, 35 seconds while knocking the Falcons (6-8) out of a share of first place in the NFC South.

Quarterback Bryce Young was 18 of 24 for 157 yards as Carolina (2-12) won for the first time under interim coach Chris Tabor since the firing of Frank Reich.

Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder was 12 of 20 for 152 yards with a touchdown and a costly fourth-quarter interception. Atlanta had only 204 yards of total offense.

The Falcons appeared in position to extend their lead by driving to the Carolina 18-yard line midway through the fourth quarter. But Ridder’s second-down pass was intercepted by Xaiver Woods at the Panthers’ 3.

Weather conditions were bad at the start of the game and deteriorated amid downpours.

Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard gained 87 yards on 22 carries.

Atlanta’s rushing attack was stymied as the Falcons managed only 52 yards on the ground.
The Falcons scored first on Cordarelle Patterson’s 2-yard reception from Ridder with 4:49 left in the second quarter.

Carolina made it 7-3 by halftime on Pineiro’s 34-yard field goal with 22 seconds remaining before the break. That marked the five consecutive games that Carolina went to halftime with three points.

The Panthers closed within 7-6 on Pineiro’s 25-yarder with 13:32 remaining after a third-down sack disrupted the drive. That followed an Atlanta fumble that gave the Panthers good field possession as they moved only 17 yards prior to the field goal.

Both teams moved into the other team’s territory on their first possessions of the game, but ended up empty on failed fourth-down plays.

The Panthers avenged a season-opening loss on the road against the Falcons.

–Field Level Media

Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (5) with the ball in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers place WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (ankle) on injured reserve

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. is out a minimum of four weeks after being placed on injured reserve Thursday because of an ankle injury.

Shenault had one reception for eight yards last Sunday in a 17-10 loss at the Tennessee Titans before injuring the ankle. He played only two snaps in the game.

Shenault has played in eight games for the Panthers (1-10) this season, missing three games after sustaining a high ankle sprain against the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 15. He has a total of 10 receptions for 60 yards, and 12 rushing attempts for 55 yards.

He also has returned six kickoffs for 167 yards, a 27.8-yard average.

Shenault, 25, was a second-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Colorado. He was traded to the Panthers in August 2022. In four seasons, he has 158 receptions for 1,551 yards and six touchdowns, and 50 carries for 252 yards and one score.

In other moves Thursday, the Panthers signed guard Deonte Brown to the practice squad and cut quarterback Jake Luton from the practice squad.

Carolina now has 12 players on IR this season, not including six other players who have been designated to return from IR.

–Field Level Media

September 18, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks guard Gabe Jackson (66) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers sign veteran OL Gabe Jackson

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The Carolina Panthers signed veteran offensive lineman Gabe Jackson to their practice squad on Wednesday.

Jackson, 32, has started 130 games with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2014-20) and Seattle Seahawks (2021-22).

Jackson has played mostly at right guard since entering the NFL as a third-round draft pick in 2014.

The Panthers (1-10) are thin in the middle with recent injuries to Chandler Zavala (knee) and Cade Mays (ankle).

–Field Level Media

Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to pass as Carolina Panthers linebacker Eku Leota (46) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Late TD blitz carries Cowboys past Panthers 33-10

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Dak Prescott threw for two touchdowns and the Dallas Cowboys benefitted from two scores in a 10-second span early in the fourth quarter to defeat the Carolina Panthers 33-10 on Sunday afternoon at Charlotte, N.C.

Tony Pollard ran for a touchdown and finished with 61 rushing yards on 12 carries as Dallas (7-3) won for the fourth time its last five games.

The Panthers (1-9) threatened to make it interesting, pulling to within 17-10, before Pollard’s 21-yard touchdown run with 13:58 left. On Carolina’s next snap, DaRon Bland intercepted Bryce Young and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown.

Opponents have returned three interceptions for touchdowns in Carolina’s last two home games.

Prescott finished 25 of 38 for 189 yards.

Young, the overall first-round draft choice in the spring, was 16 of 29 for 123 yards with a touchdown. Adam Thielen had eight catches for 74 yards to deliver a healthy chunk of Carolina’s 187 yards of total offense.

The Panthers pulled within 17-10 with a 17-play drive that consumed nearly nine minutes. It ended on Young’s 4-yard pass to Tommy Tremble with 1:59 left in the third quarter. Carolina’s drive benefitted from a Dallas penalty for running into the punter and three fourth-down conversions.

Dallas went up in the first quarter on Prescott’s 18-yard touchdown pass to Luke Schoonmaker.

The Cowboys then put together a 12-play drive – aided by a defensive pass interference penalty and horse-collar tackle infraction on the Panthers — that resulted in Brandon Aubrey’s 30-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter.

The Panthers had a pair of 10-play possessions in the first half, although those produced 41 and 50 yards, respectively. The second of those resulted in Eddy Pineiro’s 42-yard field goal with 1:56 left in the half.

But the Cowboys moved quickly and grabbed at 17-3 with 24 seconds remaining in the half on Prescott’s 5-yard toss to CeeDee Lamb.

Prescott threw 27 passes in the first half.

–Field Level Media