Former Ohio State first-round pick Eli Apple released by Panthers

Former NFL first-round draft pick and former Ohio State corner Eli Apple has been released by the Carolina Panthers.

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Eli Apple, who was a key piece to the Buckeyes’ 2014 national championship run, has been released by the Carolina Panthers. Apple had signed a one year deal worth $3 million with the Panthers earlier this year.

Apple was the No. 10 overall pick going to the New York Giants in the 2016 NFL draft. He was a reliable corner with the Giants and New Orleans Saints over the previous four seasons.

The Panthers decided to cut ties with Apple after he left practice early on Tuesday saying he couldn’t continue due to an injury. Beat writer Joe Person was the first to break the news Tuesday.

“The Panthers have released CB Eli Apple, a few hours after he left practice early after telling coaches he couldn’t go on his injured hamstring today,” wrote Person.

Apple has been plagued by injuries all season dating back to training camp and played in only two games with Carolina tallying just four tackles.

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