Panthers add TE Jordan Matthews to 53-man roster, place rookie on IR

Jordan Matthews’ feel-good story is back on track.

As officially announced on Thursday morning, the Carolina Panthers have added the veteran tight end to their 53-man roster. Matthews, one of the team’s summer standouts, was released during the initial roster cutdown on Tuesday and brought back as a practice-squad member on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old began turning heads during training camp, and parlayed his practice performances into a productive preseason. Matthews finished second on the team in receptions (seven) and receiving yards (68), and capped off the first-team offense’s impressive opening drive in the finale on an 8-yard touchdown connection with quarterback Bryce Young.

Carolina is currently dealing with injuries in their tight end room to Tommy Tremble (hamstring) and Ian Thomas (calf). 2024 fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders had been the only healthy tight end at practice following the move to their 53-man roster.

To make room for Matthews’ promotion, the Panthers placed rookie defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy on injured reserve. The 2024 sixth-rounder, who has been sidelined with a high-ankle sprain, will now miss at least the first four games of the regular season.