To make room for the promotion of cornerback Lou Young from their practice squad, the Panthers have cut tight end Scott Simonson, according to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer. The team has also added wide receiver Damiere Byrd to its practice squad as a replacement for Young (Twitter links).
Simonson, 24, joined the Panthers before the 2015 campaign and ultimately appeared in 14 regular-season games (one start) with the club. The blocking specialist tallied only one catch as a Panther after going without a reception with his previous employer, the Raiders, in 2014. Simonson’s exit from Carolina’s roster leaves Ed Dickson as the only backup to No. 1 tight end Greg Olsen.
The Panthers waived Byrd on Thursday, but he’ll now rejoin the organization after going unclaimed. Byrd originally signed with the Panthers last year as an undrafted free agent from South Carolina. He hasn’t yet logged any NFL action.