Roster

To get down to the league-mandated 53-man roster, the Panthers parted ways with the following players: WR Larry Beavers, RB DeCori Birmingham, DL Casper Brinkley, QB Hunter Cantwell, WR Jason Chery, S Paul Chiara, DB D.J. Clark, TE Andrew Davie, DT Marlon Favorite, DB Joe Fields, LB Anthony Heygood, DT George Hypolite, LB Mortty Ivy, S Kevin Kaesviharn, RB Jamall Lee, LB Jeremy Leman, WR Kevin McMahan, WR Marcus Monk and LB Kelvin Smith.

The Panthers announced Sunday that they have signed WR Seyi Ajirotutu, who was released by the Chargers on Saturday. Ajirotutu will compete to be part of the WR rotation behind starters Steve Smith and Brandon Lafell.

The Cowboys made their final cuts on Saturday in order to get down to the league-mandated 53 players, and there were some notable subtractions. Among the players released were FBs Chris Gronkowski, Jason Pociask Shaun Chapas and Isaiah Greenhouse; WRs Tysson Poots, Manuel Johnson, Lyle Leong and Teddy Williams; DBs Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Mario Butler, Chris Randle, Andrew Sendejo, Josh Thomas and Collin Zych; LBs Mike Balogun, Kenwin Cummings, Orie Lemon, and Brandon Williams; DE Jimmy Saddler-McQueen and RB Lonyae Miller.

With all eyes on QB Cam Newton, the Panthers turned to a trick play to stretch their big lead at Houston in Week 15. Newton took the snap, slipped the ball to Richie Brockel, and the tight end swung around the left side for a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. It was the first touchdown of his career. "The whole defense really bit on that option," said Brockel. "The defense is so keyed on [Newton] and worried about him making the play, they sometimes forget about other things and their assignments." Brockel also had a 4-yard catch on the day.

Panthers DB Charles Godfrey was listed among the inactives for Week 16 against the Buccaneers. He re-injured his shoulder a week ago and had to be removed from the game.

Panthers DL Greg Hardy, who had gone eight games without a sack after recording three in his first five, finally picked up No. 4 at Houston in Week 15. It was his only tackle on the day.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Monday that DB Jordan Pugh is being tested for a potential concussion he suffered in Week 6 against the Falcons.

Panthers receiver Steve Smith, who recently agreed to a four-year contract extension, said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's using boxing to train this offseason. "To stay in shape, it’s always tough," Smith, 32, said at Anquan Boldin's charity event in Pahokee, Fla. "You always have to come up with new, creative ways to engage your mind and also your body. Your body gets used to the same routine over and over and over, so you have to adjust. This year, I’ve started doing some boxing. Me and my wife box together." Smith had a productive year in 2011 with 79 catches for 1,394 yards and seven touchdowns. He hopes to improve in 2012. "I can improve on everything," Smith said. "There’s probably about 15 receptions that I think I should have had either by allowing a guy to tip it or not getting my feet down. As an individual, I left a lot of real estate on the field. That’s what I think I can improve on."

In addition to Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, the Panthers drafted Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander, Coastal Carolina cornerback Josh Norman and Cal safety D.J. Campbell. Alexander is a big, high-motor defender who had 19 tackles for loss last season. Norman's a good cornerback minus the top-end speed, and Campbell is a strong safety who is a good athlete with OK speed who should excel on special teams after doing a lot of it in college.

Panthers LB James Anderson, who had a season-high 17 tackles last week, wasn't quite as productive in that category Week 15 at Houston, finishing with six (five solo). He did, however, contribute two turnovers, recording his second interception of the season and also recovering a fumble.

Panthers kicker Olindo Mare kicked one field goal (41 yards) and added two extra points against the Saints in Week 17.

The Carolina Panthers plan to place starting rookie DL Terrell McClain (knee) on injured reserve, according to The Associated Press. McClain sprained his left knee during the first half of Week 13 against Tampa Bay and did not return. It's unclear if he will need surgery.

Knee - IR. Out for the season

The Charlotte Observer reports that injured Panthers WR David Gettis said he had surgery to repair his torn ACL approximately three weeks ago and everything went well. "I'm not rushing anything. I'm just going to let it happen," Gettis said. He is out for the 2011 season.

Knee - IR. Out for the season

The Panthers knew that their run defense stunk in 2010, so they brought in talent to help in 2011. Carolina spent two third-round picks on defensive tackles: USF's Terrell McClain and Stanford's Sione Fua. They also brought in West Virginia CB Brandon Hogan (Round 4) and UConn LB Lawrence Wilson (Round 6). They'll work with new defensive coordinator Sean McDermott and head coach Ron Rivera in the Panthers' 4-3 scheme.

Carolina LB Jordan Senn led all tacklers in the Week 15 win at Houston. Senn finished the Week 15 victory with 14 tackles and 12 of them were of the solo variety. Senn added one pass defended and one of his tackles went for a loss. He also intercepted a pass in the game and returned it 21 yards.

The Indianapolis Star reports that the Colts trimmed their roster on Sunday on the way to getting to the final 53. Among the cuts were RB Devin Moore, S Chip Vaughn and QB Mike Hartline. The team also waived/injured LB Cody Glenn and S Mike Newton.

The Panthers have signed fourth-round pick Eric Norwood, whom Carolina expects be a pass-rushing specialist. Norwood is South Carolina's career leader with 29 sacks. Coach John Fox has said he'll use Norwood at linebacker in passing situations and on special teams.

Panthers LB Thomas Davis announced on Twitter on Monday he has torn the ACL for the third time since November 2009. Davis wrote: "I would like 2 take the time and thank every1 that has supported me over my career. Unfortunately, I have re torn my acl. Thx 4 da prayers!!" The Panthers placed Davis on IR on Monday.

Knee - IR. Out for the season

Panthers DL Andre Neblett totaled five tackles (three solo) and one sack Week 10 vs. Tennessee. It was the first sack of his career.

After the Panthers said they had no interest in trading Jonathan Stewart following the signing of free-agent running back Mike Tolbert, The Sports Xchange reports that the Panthers will "definitely" listen to offers for Stewart. The former Oregon Duck is entering a contract year and will command a lot of money in the free agent market. With a lot of money tied up in DeAngelo Williams and Tolbert fresh on the scene, it only makes sense for the Panthers to listen to offers. Stewart ended 2011 with 761 yards with four touchdowns on 142 carries along with 413 receiving yards and a touchdown catch on 47 receptions.

Carolina DL Thomas Keiser had a big game on Sunday of Week 13 at Tampa Bay. Helping the Panthers come away victorious, Keiser managed a sack and an interception in the game. Keiser picked off Tampa QB Josh Johnson and also managed to bring him to the ground. Keiser finished with just one solo tackle in the contest.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera confirmed that LB Jon Beason (ankle) will miss the remainder of the season. He has been diagnosed with a left Achilles' tear. Beason injured his left Achilles on Sunday running after Cardinals TE Jeff King on a 48-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter of Arizona's 28-21 victory. "I've got to give Jon credit. He was going 100 miles an hour when he went down," Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. "It's just a shame thing. It's a freak thing. He's a warrior and I'll take those guys seven days a week."

The Giants released several players on the way to the final 53 for the active roster. Among the players cut were LB Phillip Dillard, LB Adrian Tracy, QB Ryan Perrilloux, RB Andre Brown and Charles Scott, TE Christian Hopkins, WR Darius Reynaud, DEs Ayanga Okpokowuruk, Craig Marshall, Alex Hall and Justin Trattou and Dwayne Hendricks and DBs Joe Burnett, David Sims and Jerrard Tarrant. TE Daniel Coats, DT Gabe Watson and K Rhys Lloyd.

In addition to Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, the Panthers drafted Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander, Coastal Carolina cornerback Josh Norman and Cal safety D.J. Campbell. Alexander is a big, high-motor defender who had 19 tackles for loss last season. Norman's a good cornerback minus the top-end speed, and Campbell is a strong safety who is a good athlete with OK speed who should excel on special teams after doing a lot of it in college.

DL Jason Shirley, who recorded a sack in his first game with the Panthers in Week 14, recorded another in his second game with the Panthers in Week 15 at Houston. He finished with two tackles, including one solo.

The Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins cut RB Kory Sheets. The team also reportedly signed Larry Johnson.

In a Q&A with the Charlotte Observer, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said that quarterback Cam Newton is fully aware of a potential sophomore slump and made it clear to the coach very early in the offseason process that he will do what it takes to avoid it. "[I]f there's anybody that's going work through it, he's going to work through it," Rivera said of Newton. "When the season was over, one of the things he said was he wanted to find a way to make sure he didn't have one. I think the less we talk about it, the less we get caught up in it, the better. It's like the Madden curse, he really wanted to be the cover. ... Instead of running from it, saying, oh, I hope it doesn't happen -- it's not going to happen. I'm not going to let it happen. I think that's his approach to the sophomore slump."

The Panthers added running back Mike Tolbert to their ground attack, a strange signing considering that the team already has DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Tolbert is known for his versatility but especially for his nose for the end zone; he has 21 total touchdowns over the last two seasons including eight rushing and two receiving with San Diego in 2011. The Charlotte Observer speculates that Tolbert is "insurance" in case the team can't sign Stewart next season.

Panthers RB Josh Vaughan saw his first action of the season in Week 16 against the Buccaneers. With Carolina leading big in the fourth quarter, he gained 24 yards on seven carries. He finished fourth on the team in rushing in the 48-16 win.

The Panthers selected wide receiver Joe Adams from Arkansas with a fourth round pick in the NFL Draft. A four-year starter for the Razorbacks, Adams had his most productive season in 2011 as a senior with 54 catches for 652 yards along with averaging 16.9 yards per return last year with four touchdowns.

Carolina moved DB Captain Munnerlyn (ankle) to season-ending injured reserve on Friday after he was forced to leave the Panthers' last game with the injury. The team added DB Jonathan Nelson from the practice squad to take his place on the roster.

Ankle - IR. Out for the season

The Panthers have agreed on a two-year contract with TE Ben Hartsock, which likely precludes them from re-signing Dante Rosario. Starting TE Jeff King signed with Arizona late Tuesday night.

The Panthers made it official Thursday, placing DT Ron Edwards (torn triceps) on IR as expected. They added DT DelJuan Robinson. Edwards tore the muscle on Friday at practice.

Triceps - IR. Out for the season

Panthers TE Greg Olsen left the team's last game of the season with a first-half head injury and did not return. Olsen got injured going for a long end-zone pass but did not come up with the catch. He did not make a catch in the game.

The Chiefs announced seven roster cuts on Monday. Those released were: wide receivers Chris Manno, Chandler Williams and Josue Paul, running back Tervaris Johnson, linebacker Eric Bakhtiari and defensive backs Javes Lewis and Mario Russell.

The Detroit Lions have signed cornerback Don Carey and released tight end Joe Jon Finley.

The Panthers placed TE Gary Barnidge (ankle) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Ankle - IR. Out for the season

Notable cuts out of Carolina on Saturday include: WR Darvin Adams, CB Kendric Burney, DE Ugo Chinasa, FB Tony Fiammetta, DB Michael Greco, DT Nick Hayden, DT Corvey Irvin, CB Chevis Jackson, K Adi Kunalic, WR Charly Martin, CB Robert McCain, DT DelJuan Robinson, TE Greg Smith, DE Malcolm Tatum, RB josh Vaughan, LB Sean Ware, WR Jamorris Warren and LB Lawrence Wilson.

The Panthers picked Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly with the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Initial speculation is that they'll use him as a weak-side linebacker but the team did not rule out putting him in the middle, which is where he played the most in school. He finished second in the entire country in tackles as a true freshman in 2009 and led the nation in stops (both solo and total tackles) each of the past two seasons.

Carolina DB Sherrod Martin collected three tackles and an interception during the Panthers' 27-19 victory over Indianapolis in Week 12. Martin picked off Colts QB Curtis Painter for his third interception of the season and first since Week 5 against New Orleans.

After being promoted from the practice squad Friday, Panthers DB Jonathan Nelson made an immediate impact in Week 16 against the Buccaneers. He recorded seven tackles and also intercepted a pass in the 48-16 win.

Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson had knee surgery recently and may miss the rest of the team's voluntary workouts and minicamps, The Sports Xchange reports. The team announced that the surgery was necessary to relieve swelling in his right knee. Johnson posted to his Twitter account that, "My surgery went good! Thanks to everyone for your blessing." He signed a $72 million contact with the Panthers last year.

Knee - Questionable for start of training camp

The Panthers signed DL Frank Kearse off the Dolphins' practice squad on Tuesday. To make room for him on the roster, the club released OL Reggie Wells.

The Carolina Panthers plan to place starting rookie DL Sione Fua (hamstring) on injured reserve, according to The Associated Press. Fua suffered a significant right hamstring strain prior to Week 13 against Tampa Bay and didn’t play. It's unclear if he will need surgery.

Hamstring - IR. Out for the season

Panthers LB Antwan Applewhite came through with a big play Week 14 against the Falcons. He recorded a sack -- his second of the season -- in the second quarter, bringing down QB Matt Ryan in the end zone for a safety. It was Applewhite's only tackle on the day.

The Sports Xchange notes the Panthers continue to play musical chairs with their weakside linebacker position. Rivera announced Wednesday that Jason Phillips will replace Jason Williams this week. "His father was a football coach, which always bode well," Rivera said of Phillips. "He's been around the game and he gets it. He's a smart, instinctive player with a good natural feel for things. The only thing you question is his top-end speed. But having said that, he's smart enough to understand angles and how to approach ball carriers."

In a Q&A with the Charlotte Observer, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said that he's expecting a big contribution from wideout Brandon LaFell this season. "I feel very confident about Brandon. The one thing I didn't want to do last year, I wanted to keep the carrot in front of Brandon," Rivera said. "I didn't want him to feel like he's arrived. I think the thing that Brandon has to always keep in front of him is the big picture, and that is his continual growth. I hope he never, ever feels like he's arrived. If he keeps that approach and works hard like that. And truthfully, looks at the way Steve Smith does things, I think that's going to help him. I really do. Because when Legedu (Naanee) did get hurt, and (LaFell) did step up and become the starter, I was very pleased with what happened. I thought it kind of signified that, hey, you know what, I think the young man's arriving. But he hasn't gotten there. That's the one thing, I don't want him to ever feel like he's gotten there."

Panthers QB Jimmy Clausen was ruled inactive for Week 1 against the Cardinals. That means QB Derek Anderson will serve as the primary backup for Cam Newton in Sunday's game at Arizona.

Mike Tolbert moved from San Diego to Carolina this offseason, rejoining former Chargers coaches Rob Chudzinski and Ron Rivera near his hometown of Douglasville, Georgia. Tolbert told the official team website that he knows what will be asked of him, but he's not saying much about it, only offering that he'll do "a lot of fullback stuff" and "a lot of different stuff." Tolbert joins Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams in the Carolina backfield, and it's been made clear by Rivera that he'll be a fullback. "You never know what's going to happen," he said. "Guys get hurt every day -- Stew might get hurt or I might get hurt of DeAngelo. I'm not wishing that on anybody, but it's always better to have three than two or four than three."

Justin Medlock on Wednesday signed to compete with incumbent kicker Olindo Mare for the role in 2012, according to Panthers.com. A 2007 Chiefs draft pick, the left-footed Medlock hit 49 of 55 field goals last season to help lead the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to the Canadian Football League's Grey Cup championship. Having signed Medlock, the Panthers released K Adi Kunalic.

The Steelers cut the following players on Tuesday: wide receiver Jason Chery, kicker Piotr Czech, linebacker Derrick Doggett, DT Cordarrow Thompson and cornerback Trae Williams.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports the Chargers have released LB Jyles Tucker, who finished the 2010 season on IR because of a chest injury.

Ravens S Haruki Nakamura will likely be out a month with a knee injury sustained against St. Louis on Sunday, said coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens haven't received the MRI results yet but Harbaugh said the outcome does look "promising." Nakamura was hurt on a special teams play.

The Panthers placed RB Mike Goodson on IR Wednesday because of a hamstring injury. LB Kion Wilson and RB Josh Vaughan were added to the active roster as well.

Panthers DB Darius Butler was listed among the inactives for Week 8 against the Vikings. He is caring for his daughter, who is recovering from heart surgery. She had a setback on Friday, but is doing better, according to team officials.

Panthers rookie WR Kealoha Pilares said he’s progressing well from his high ankle sprain Wednesday but said trainers haven’t given him a date on when he’ll be allowed to play. He suspects it will be sooner rather than later. "Hopefully I’m right around the corner,” Pilares said. “I’ve been able to jog, so I’m getting closer.”

Carolina DB Chris Gamble tallied two tackles and an interception during the Panthers' 27-19 victory over Indianapolis in Week 12. Gamble picked off Colts QB Curtis Painter during the fourth quarter for his third interception over his past five games. It was one of two interceptions Carolina recorded during Indianapolis' final two possessions of the game.

Minnesota LB Kenny Onatolu was wearing a walking boot on his left foot at Wednesday's practice. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said he has a stress fracture in his foot and he is day to day. Frazier said the team was being cautious and did not want to risk further worsening the injury.

Panthers WR Armanti Edwards, who has yet to catch a pass this season, actually completed a pass to WR Steve Smith at Houston in Week 15. It was an 11-yarder. It was also his only offensive contribution on the day.

The Chargers signed LB Everette Brown to a two-year contract the team announced on Tuesday. To make room for him on the roster, the team released DL Ogemdi Nwagbuo.

In addition to Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, the Panthers drafted Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander, Coastal Carolina cornerback Josh Norman and Cal safety D.J. Campbell. Alexander is a big, high-motor defender who had 19 tackles for loss last season. Norman's a good cornerback minus the top-end speed, and Campbell is a strong safety who is a good athlete with OK speed who should excel on special teams after doing a lot of it in college.

Carolina promoted WR Darvin Adams to the active roster on Friday after releasing RB Jerome Felton. Adams had been on the Panthers' practice squad since being released on the team's final roster trim.

The Browns cut running back Armond Smith and signed running back Adonis Thomas, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, which cited a league source. Thomas rushed for 1,071 yards at Toledo in 2011 and performed well in rookie minicamp. Smith didn't make the Browns' final roster last summer.

The Charlotte Observer reports that the Panthers might waive QB Jimmy Clausen to save just over $900,000 in salary cap space. Clausen has been replaced by Cam Newton as the starting quarterback in Carolina.

The Panthers signed practice squad players CB R.J. Stanford and DT Corvey Irvin to the 53-man roster on Tuesday, one day after announcing LB Jason Williams (knee) and DE Everette Brown (wrist) would go on injured reserve.

The Panthers place LB Jason Phillips on injured-reserve on Tuesday. He suffered a strained calf in Week 14.

Calf - IR. Out for the season

The Panthers added more competition in their defensive backfield on Wednesday, signing free agent safety Reggie Smith from the San Francisco 49ers. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Smith played in all 16 regular season games and both playoff games for the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. He recorded 16 tackles and one interception during the regular season. Smith also contributed on special teams with six special teams tackles during the regular season and two during the postseason. "Reggie has been on our radar since the beginning of free agency and is a player we think can come in and compete at safety," Carolina general manager Marty Hurney said. "We brought him in for a visit Tuesday and it worked out. He is another player we've added to increase the competition."