Carolina Panthers make multiple roster moves to address tight end and quarterback injuries

The Carolina Panthers have made multiple moves over the last few days to shore up some of their deficiencies on the offensive side of the ball. Training camp has ravaged the tight end group, as well as putting backup quarterback Andy Dalton on the shelf.

Sunday the Panthers added veteran tight end Jacob Hollister to the roster. With Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble both out with injuries the team was having trouble practicing with three tight ends. Dave Canales said, “Practicing with three tight ends is really iffy.”

Canales wanted to bring another tight end on board to be able to run the offense at maximum efficiency. “We got to be able to practice with a strong group,” Canales stated. “It's good for both sides. The defense needs to see multiple tight end sets, a big part of what we do."

Hollister entered the league as an undrafted free agent from Wyoming in 2017. He has played on multiple teams, but experienced the most success while with Seattle and a good portion of this offensive coaching staff. During two seasons with the Seahawks, Hollister caught 66 receptions for 558 yards and hauled in six touchdowns. To make room for Hollister, Carolina waived/injured wide receiver Devin Carter.

Carolina was not done with the tight end group. On Monday the Panthers added Jesper Horstead. Horstead entered the league as an undrafted free agent from Princeton in 2019. During his career with three different franchises, Horstead has played in 41 games while bringing in 14 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns. To make room on the roster, Carolina waived wide receiver Tayvion Robinson.

Carolina was not finished making moves on Monday, as they addressed the loss of backup quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton went down with a quad injury before the Panthers’ Fan Fest last Thursday. Carolina signed quarterback Jake Luton as they get ready for their first preseason game versus the New England Patriots.

Luton, who was drafted by Jacksonville during the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has been in Carolina before. He served as Andy Dalton’s backup during a week 3 matchup against Seattle in 2023. Luton will add depth behind Bryce Young and Jack Plummer. Plummer played meaningful snaps during the team’s first scrimmage Thursday night.

To keep the roster numbers copacetic Carolina moved defensive end Kemoko Turay to reserved/injured. The Panthers head to New England Thursday for their first preseason game against the Patriots.