Since they’re suddenly quite little in the middle, the Carolina Panthers brought back a familiar face at linebacker on Tuesday.
As announced this afternoon, the team has signed rookie Jackson Mitchell to their practice squad. Mitchell, who initially joined the Panthers as an undrafted free agent this past spring, spent the offseason as a member of the roster.
Mitchell’s return follows the news of this past Sunday’s injuries to starting middle linebackers Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell. Thompson tore his Achilles tendon in the Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and will be out for the remainder of the season while Jewell is expected to miss some time with hamstring and groin issues.
Head coach Dave Canales talked about the long-term loss of Thompson yesterday.
“I’m just sick for Shaq,” Canales told reporters. “A guy that really just cares so much and plays with so much passion. A vocal leader. Somebody’s who had my back through this process as I get my feet underneath me as a first-time head coach.”
To make room for Mitchell on the practice squad, the Panthers released cornerback Azizi Hearn.
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