Panthers Activate CB Dane Jackson
A key member of the Panthers’ secondary is set to make his Carolina debut tomorrow. Dane Jackson was activated from injured reserve Saturday, the team announced. 
A hamstring injury meant Jackson would not be healthy in time for the start of the season. Carolina was one of many teams which elected to use the IR-designated for return path created this year in his case, avoiding the need to name him to the initial roster while using one of the eight allocated in-season activations. Jackson returned to practice on October 2, so Carolina could have waited until after Week 7 to being in into the fold.
Instead, this move paves the way for the free agent pickup to suit up on Sunday against the Commanders. Jackson played out his rookie contract with the Bills, making 28 starts amongst his 52 appearances. His most productive season came in 2022, when he posted a pair of interceptions along with 12 pass deflections and 57 tackles. As Buffalo underwent a number of changes in the secondary this offseason, though, the 27-year-old departed in free agency.
Jackson inked a two-year, $8.5MM deal including $5.13MM guaranteed to join the Panthers. That pact set him up to handle a first-team role opposite Jaycee Horn, but his debut with the team was delayed due to the injury. Now that he is healthy, Jackson will be tasked with aiding a defense which ranks last in scoring and sits 23rd against the pass. The team moved on from veteran slot man Troy Hill earlier in the week, paving the way for younger options to see playing time on the inside.
That decision, coupled with Jackson’s activation, could spark improved play in the secondary for the 1-5 Panthers. Part of the former seventh-rounder’s 2025 compensation is already locked in, so a poor showing over the coming months would not stand to threaten his roster security. Strong play could, however, make him a key member of at least the team’s short-term plans moving forward.
Panthers To Release CB Troy Hill
Troy Hill is set to hit mid-season free agency. The veteran corner is being released by the Panthers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. 
Carolina sits at 1-5 on the year, so it comes as little surprise the team is electing to move on from a veteran to open up playing time for younger options in the secondary. Hill’s contract was set to expire after the year anyway, but now he will be available to interested teams without a trade being necessary. Having been let go before the trade deadline, Hill will not be subject to waivers.
The 33-year-old joined the Panthers last August, landing a deal shortly before the start of the regular season. That one-year pact allowed him to reunite with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, with whom he worked during their time together with the Rams. Hill logged a 50% snap share in 2023, notching 48 tackles, six pass deflections and one interception.
That production allowed him to remain in Carolina, and he agreed to a new deal before the start of free agency. Rather than playing out that pact (which was near veteran minimum), he will try to latch onto a roster midway through the campaign. This move will generate a roughly equal amount of dead money along with salary cap savings.
Hill saw considerable time on the outside earlier in his career, but more recently he has operated more in the slot. That skillset could help his value, although the former UDFA has struggled in coverage this season. Hill has landed outside the top 55 in terms of CB PFF grading over each of the past three years, and that will continue in 2024 if he is unable to deliver stronger performances on his next team. As a veteran of 60 starts, though, he could provide experienced secondary depth at a minimum to a contending team.
The Panthers have struggled in a number of areas this season, including against the pass (226 yards allowed per contest, 26th in the NFL). Moving on from Hill will pave the way for increased playing time for some of the team’s younger corner contributors, including fifth-round rookie Chau Smith-Wade. It will be interesting to see how much interest develops amongst teams looking to add Hill in short order.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/16/24
Today’s minor moves:
Carolina Panthers
- Designated for return: DT Jaden Crumedy, S Sam Franklin Jr.
Los Angeles Rams
- Designated for return: OT Joe Noteboom
Philadelphia Eagles
- Designated for return: TE Albert Okwuegbunam
Washington Commanders
- Signed: DE Jalyn Holmes
- Signed from practice squad: DT Sheldon Day
- Placed on IR: DT Jonathan Allen, DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste
A number of players returned to practice today, designating their return from injured reserve. This means teams will have 21 days to activate the players from IR to the active roster.
Noteboom is the most notable name, as the veteran has spent his entire career in Los Angeles. The former third-round pick has settled into a versatile sixth OL for the Rams, starting 32 of his 68 appearances. The lineman started Week 1 but only played in about one third of his team’s offense snaps before suffering an ankle injury.
Panthers Open RB Jonathon Brooks’ Practice Window
OCTOBER 16: This is now official. Brooks will begin practicing with the Panthers, who have 21 days to activate him. This week will mark the second-round rookie’s first practices since his November 2023 ACL tear.
OCTOBER 14: Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is one step closer to making his NFL debut. The Panthers are set to open his 21-day practice window, setting up a prepared activation from the non-football injury list, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Carolina did not officially make the move on Monday, but head coach Dave Canales told reporters a practice debut is imminent. This will be a welcome development for a Panthers team still in the early stages of a rebuild, and Brooks is expected to play a key role in that plan.
The 46th overall pick back in April, Brooks tore his ACL in late 2023, which damaged but did not plummet his draft stock. The Panthers still took him in the second round as the potential future of their backfield, a decision that drew criticism considering Carolina’s other needs and lack of future draft capital after the Bryce Young trade. No other team chose a running back in the first or second round this year, illustrating Carolina’s confidence in Brooks’ talents.
Brooks began the season on the NFI list, with the Panthers prioritizing his long-term health over a speedy return. Chuba Hubbard has excelled as Carolina’s lead back in the meantime, ranking third in rushing yards (485), second in success rate (64.0%), and fifth in yards per attempt (5.6). Hubbard’s early success should allow Brooks to slowly build up his workload as he adjusts to the NFL and acclimates to Canales’ offense.
At 1-5, the Panthers need all the help they can get, but Brooks’ return will do little to kickstart an anemic offense that has struggled with poor quarterback play and offensive line injuries this year. The Texas product should be a bigger pass-catching threat out of the backfield, as both Hubbard and Miles Sanders have yet to crack 100 receiving yards on the year.
Once he is designated for return, Brooks will have 21 days to be added to the Panthers’ 53-man roster. Otherwise, he will revert to season-ending injured reserve, though that would only happen with a significant health setback.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/15/24
Today’s minor moves in the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed to active roster: K Chad Ryland
- Placed on IR: DT Bilal Nichols, K Matt Prater
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed to active roster: G Matt Hennessy
- Placed on IR: S Micah Abernathy
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: G Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu
Carolina Panthers
- Signed (off Steelers’ practice squad): OLB Jacoby Windmon
- Waived: OLB Tarron Jackson
Cleveland Browns
- Placed on IR: C Nick Harris
Dallas Cowboys
- Waived with injury settlement: DE Durrell Johnson
Denver Broncos
- Waived: DB Tanner McCalister
Detroit Lions
- Signed (off Bengals’ practice squad): DE Isaiah Thomas
- Placed on IR: DE Aidan Hutchinson (story), DT Kyle Peko (story)
Houston Texans
- Activated from IR: DT Kurt Hinish
Philadelphia Eagles
- Waived with injury settlement: WR Jacob Harris
Seattle Seahawks
- Placed on IR: CB Artie Burns
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: WR Marquez Callaway
- Signed to active roster: CB Keenan Isaac
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: CB Tre Avery
Nichols is reportedly out for the season, per the Cardinals, but Prater could still return after an additional four-game absence. He’s already missed two games so far with a left knee issue. The 40-year-old was a perfect six-for-six on field goal attempts this year while 10-for-10 on extra points.
The Browns lose an important depth lineman in Harris. Harris started games at left tackle and center as an injury replacement this year, but he’ll be out for at least the next four games with an ankle injury.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris reported that Abernathy will be out for a “significant time,” per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/15/24
Today’s NFL practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: OLB Ronnie Perkins
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: S Dane Cruikshank, T Coy Cronk
Baltimore Ravens
- Released: CB Damarion Williams
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: WR Dan Chisena, LB Shaquille Quarterman
- Released: WR Deon Cain
Chicago Bears
- Signed: DE Jamree Kromah, LS Jake McQuaide
- Released: DT Travis Bell
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: WR James Proche, C Cameron Tom
- Released: RB Gary Brightwell, DT Siaki Ika
Dallas Cowboys
- Released: DT Phil Hoskins
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: T Spencer Rolland
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: DE Jalen Redmond
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: WR Dante Pettis
- Released: CB Shemar Jean-Charles
New York Giants
- Signed: DT Armon Watts
- Released: CB Duke Shelley
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: CB Parry Nickerson
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: S Adrian Amos
- Released: WR Terrace Marshall
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: CB Dallis Flowers
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: RB Joshua Kelley
Washington Commanders
- Signed: DT Carl Davis
Amos is far-removed from his days as a full-time starter in the NFC North. With Talanoa Hufanga on injured reserve, though, and only three safeties on the active roster, Amos could have an opportunity to make an impact in the Bay Area.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/12/24
Today’s minor transactions, including practice squad callups for Week 6:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: K Chad Ryland
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: G Matt Hennessy, CB Kevin King
Baltimore Ravens
- Activated from IR: RB Rasheen Ali
- Elevated: OLB Yannick Ngakoue
Carolina Panthers
- Activated from IR: TE Ian Thomas
- Placed on IR: C Austin Corbett (story)
- Elevated: OLB Marquis Haynes
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: S Tarvarius Moore, CB Ameer Speed
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: CB Jalen Davis, C Trey Hill
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: LB Darius Harris, CB Amani Oruwariye
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: DB Tanner McCalister
- Elevated: T Cameron Fleming, G Calvin Throckmorton
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: DE Isaac Ukwu
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: FB Andrew Beck
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed to active roster: RB Evan Hull
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: LB Tanner Muse
Las Vegas Raiders
- Activated from IR: S Trey Taylor
- Elevated: WR Alex Bachman, WR Kristian Wilkerson
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: S Tony Jefferson
- Elevated: CB Dicaprio Bootle
New York Giants
- Elevated: WR Isaiah Hodgins, RB Dante Miller
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed to active roster: WR Parris Campbell
- Elevated: OL Jack Driscoll
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: WR Ryan Miller, RB D.J. Williams
Tennessee Titans
- Elevated: DT Abdullah Anderson, CB Tre Avery
Washington Commanders
- Activated from reserve/PUP: DE Efe Obada
- Elevated: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., CB Kevon Seymour
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/10/24
Thursday’s taxi squad moves:
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: RB Mike Boone, DT Jayden Peevy, S Russ Yeast
- Released: TE Stephen Sullivan
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: G Javion Cohen, DT Sam Kamara, TE Blake Whiteheart
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: DT Zachary Carter
New England Patriots
- Released: DT Trysten Hill
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: TE C.J. Uzomah
- Released: S Caden Sterns
Uzomah is a veteran of 106 games stemming from his seven-year run in Cincinnati followed by two years with the Jets. The 31-year-old has topped 400 receiving yards in a season only twice, but he has remained a consistent depth option in the passing game. He will aim to provide a rotational contribution behind Dallas Goedert in Philadelphia.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/8/24
Tuesday’s minor moves around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed to active roster: OL Charlie Heck
- Placed on IR: G Will Hernandez (story)
Carolina Panthers
- Signed (off Giants’ practice squad): OL Cade Mays
- Promoted: OLB Thomas Incoom, DE DeShawn Williams
Cincinnati Bengals
- Placed on IR: CB Dax Hill (story), OL Jaxson Kirkland
Cleveland Browns
- Waived: G Javion Cohen, DT Sam Kamara, TE Blake Whiteheart
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: DE Carl Lawson
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: LB Levelle Bailey
Detroit Lions
- Designated for return from reserve/PUP list: OL Christian Mahogany
Houston Texans
- Signed (off Ravens’ practice squad): CB Ka’dar Hollman
- Placed on IR: RB British Brooks
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed to active roster: CB David Long
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed to active roster: RB Myles Gaskin
- Released: TE Robert Tonyan
New England Patriots
- Released: DE Jamree Kromah
Tennessee Titans
- Waived: OL John Ojukwu
Kirkland is out for the season due to a biceps tear, head coach Zac Taylor said on Monday. That injury resulted in the addition of Andrew Stueber off Atlanta’s practice squad, a move which became official today. Kirkland, a former UDFA, made a pair of appearances this season, seeing sparse usage on offense and special teams.
Panthers, Shaq Lawson Agree To Deal
Still on the lookout for veteran help along the edge, the Panthers are set to make another addition. Shaq Lawson has a deal in place with Carolina, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports. The move (a practice squad agreement) is now official, per a team announcement. 
Wilson noted earlier today that Lawson visited the Panthers. The news of an agreement quickly coming together thus comes as little surprise, and it will add considerable experience to the team’s edge rush group. The 30-year-old is a veteran of 109 games, all of which came in the AFC East.
Lawson spent his first four seasons in Buffalo, with his most productive campaign coming in 2019 (6.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss). That stretch was followed by single campaigns with the Dolphins and Jets before a return to the Bills. After handling a notable role in Miami and New York, the former first-rounder returned to Buffalo; he remained there for 2022 and ’23.
During his second Bills stint, Lawson made seven total starts and recorded 4.5 sacks. He did not have a strong market during the spring, however, resulting in several weeks of the regular season playing out until interest picked up. In the wake of Jaelan Phillips‘ season-ending knee injury, Lawson was among the veteran edge rushers who visited the Dolphins on a workout last week. That process did not yield an agreement, but he did not need to wait long to find another suitor.
Carolina traded away Brian Burns this offseason, one in which Yetur Gross-Matos departed in free agency. Preseason injuries to both D.J. Wonnum and Amare Barno left the team thin on healthy options along the edge, and a reunion with Marquis Haynes was recently worked out. After Jadeveon Clowney suffered a shoulder injury in Week 5, Lawson’s addition will provide another healthy depth option. It will be interesting to see how quickly he finds himself on the active roster.