Panthers’ IR list grows to 14 as both DT's out – NFL News
Carolina Panthers are reeling from a bloated injured reserve list. The franchise already has twelve players on the list and two more have now joined the ranks as both Panthers starting Defensive Tackles have been placed on the
injured reserve.
With 14 players on the injured reserve the long list is a franchise record for Panthers albeit one they could do well without.
Sione Fua and Terrell McClain are both out for the remainder of the season and were placed on injured reserve on Tuesday.
Fua was not in the squad on Sunday against Buccaneers as he was already out with a hamstring injury. McClain took part in the match but lasted just a few minutes into the first quarter when he also had to be pulled following a
similar hamstring injury.
Carolina Panthers have already made transfers for replacements for the two defensive tackles promoting Jason Shirley from the practice squad while signing free agent Ogemdi Nwagbuo to provide cover.
Panthers have also made moves to sign DeMario Pressley to the practice squad.
Fua and McClain are set to be replaced by Andre Neblett and rookie Frank Kearse for the game against Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
"With those two guys getting hurt, Andre Neblett really stepped up and played very well, as did Frank Kearse with him getting some extended playing time," Rivera said. "Whenever you have defensive ends that can play three-technique,
that's huge. Greg Hardy did a tremendous job, as did Charles Johnson and at times Antwan Applewhite. Those three guys give you versatility."
Both Fua and McClain were signed in the previous draft and both rookies became regulars for the first team immediately. Fua was a third round 97th overall draft pick by Panthers and before the injury played every game
of the season making nine tackles. McClain was also a third round draft pick and 65th overall and made 19 tackles this season with one sack.
"We've got two young defensive tackles that have played very, very well," head coach Ron Rivera said of Fua and McClain three weeks ago." They've played hard for us, and they're learning and developing."
Carolina Panthers have won their previous two games over Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning two games straight for the first time in the season. With Panthers set to face Falcons on Sunday the replacements will
need to up their game to secure their spot in the team.
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