Panthers Signed another RB To Practice Squad after trade with Dillon Johnson was finalised with the ace
He had been among the players competing for the Titans’ No. 3 running back job but only made it a couple of days into camp before being cut.
Johnson, 22, began his career at Mississippi State before transferring to Washington. He was named second-team All-Pac-12 in 2023.
However, Johnson wasn’t selected in the 2024 NFL Draft and later signed with the Titans. He signed on with the Panthers in July but was cut loose during the preseason.
In three seasons with the Bulldogs and one with the Huskies, Johnson started 28 of his 49 games. He rushed 462 times for 2,393 yards (5.2 YPC) and 27 touchdowns. He also caught 173 passes for 1,054 yards (6.1 YPC) and one touchdown.
The Panthers filled out their practice squad Thursday afternoon, adding four more players to the group.
The team signed defensive tackle Jayden Peevy, wide receiver Jalen Coker, safety Demani Richardson, and offensive lineman Ja’Tyre Carter.
Peevy, Coker, and Richardson were all in camp here this summer.
Carter, 25, was a seventh-round pick of the Bears in 2022, and has appeared in 13 games with two starts.
The team now has a full 16-man practice squad heading into the weekend off. They’ll reconvene on Monday.
The Panthers’ initial roster is essentially set in advance of Week 1, but depth moves could still be forthcoming. An addition along the edge in particular would not come as a surprise.
In advance of the roster cutdown deadline, Carolina placed D.J. Wonnum and Amare Barno on the reserve/PUP list. That move guaranteed both pass rushers will miss at least the first four weeks of the season, leaving the team thin on the edge. Wonnum was added in free agency and is a veteran of 31 starts dating back to his Vikings tenure. Barno has logged signficant special teams snaps during his two years in the league, but he handled a rotational defensive role last season.
With both Wonnum and Barno on the mend, the Panthers’ depth chart currently consists of Jadeveon Clowney, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota and K’Lavon Chaisson at the outside linebacker spot. Head coach Dave Canales said, via Joe Person of The Athletic, that Barno will likely be sidelined longer than the one-month minimum (subscription required). As a result, Carolina – a team which also has Tarron Jackson on the practice squad – is a prime candidate to make at least a depth addition capable of chipping in at the start of the season.
Indeed, general manager Dan Morgan confirmed (via Person) a move at the outside linebacker position is being looked into. Clowney joined the team on a two-year free agent deal, one which could provide him with a degree of stability in his career. The former No. 1 pick had a strong one-and-done campaign with the Ravens last season, matching his career best with 9.5 sacks. Since Brian Burns is no longer in the fold, production off the edge will be a key storyline for Carolina in 2024 with Clowney leading the way.
