The Carolina Panthers made a series of moves involving their active roster and their practice squad on Saturday afternoon, bolstering their interior defensive line depth as well as their secondary and special teams units.
Here is a breakdown of today’s roster moves.
DT Woodrow Hamilton elevated to active roster
With two starting defensive linemen out on Sunday, Carolina looked to replenish their roation inside by promoting Woodrow Hamilton to the active roster. Hamilton (6-foot-3, 315 pounds) is entering his fifth season in the NFL, but most of it was spent on the practice squads of the Patriots, Saints and Panthers. Hamilton did log two regular season games in New England but failed to make much of an impact, totaling three combined tackles. This is Carolina’s first of two allowed elevations for Hamilton before he must be signed to their 53-man roster.
CB Trumaine Johnson signed to practice squad
After Donte Jackson’s Week 1 injury, the Panthers were left thin at the position, forced to play Rasul Douglas just days after picking him up off waivers. Although Douglas was a clear winner in that game, the team still needs more help with Eli Apple still on 3-week injured reserve. Enter Trumaine Johnson, the eight-year veteran who has played in over 100 games with the Rams and Jets. Johnson (6-foot-2, 213 pounds) has totaled 392 combined tackles and 23 interceptions with 77 starts. He’s a strong candidate to be elevated to the 53-man roster soon.
K Kai Forbath also signed to practice squad
Like Johnson, Forbath has spent many years in the league playing for several different teams. Now, he joins Carolina’s practice squad just a week after the team release Kaare Vedvik, who was signed as a safety net for Joe Charlton. Although Charlton had two booming punts against the Raiders last week, coach Matt Rhule has maintained his desire to keep an extra leg around. In 81 games Forbath has a career field goal % of 86.8. If Joey Slye continues to struggle with short kicks, he may get a look.
To make room for Forbath and Johnson, the team released a couple of practice squad players.
DB T.J. Green released from practice squad
Cutting Green is a mild surprise, as he was wearing a black jersey early in training camp, denoting his status as a defensive starter. Obviously the defensive coaching staff changed their minds about him, as he was also released when rosters were cut down.
OL Aaron Monteiro also released from practice squad
The signing of Monteiro (6-foot-7, 320 pounds) never made much sense. He was added to the team’s practice squad late last season, but never saw real playing time and failed to make an impression in training camp. Further, the Panthers are currently holding nine offensive linemen on the active roster, one on the COVID-19 reserve list, and three more on the practice squad, leaving little room for another offensive lineman.
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