The Carolina Panthers have finalized their 53-man roster as the NFL season approaches, making several late additions and surprising cuts. Among the notable changes, the team added veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke just 24 hours before the official cut day.
Other players making the initial roster include Haynes King and John Metchie III. King, an undrafted free agent from Georgia Tech, secured his spot after a strong performance in the NFL Hall of Fame game, where he threw for 180 passing yards and three total touchdowns, including a game-winning rushing touchdown.
Running back Jonathon Brooks, who was initially touted as a roster cut winner due to his health and activity in practices and preseason games against the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars, is now facing renewed concerns. Brooks missed practice on Tuesday and was working with trainers on Wednesday due to general soreness. Head coach Dave Canales expressed optimism about Brooks’ Week 1 availability, but his status remains uncertain, particularly given his history of two ACL tears in his right knee.
The addition of Okereke impacted other players, with Trevin Wallace, who had been competing for a starting linebacker position, no longer with the team. Wallace has since joined the New York Jets.
The Panthers are now preparing for their Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears, aiming for another run at the NFC South title.
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