Mike Boone – Page 2 – Syndication Server

Panthers assemble initial 16-man practice squad for 2024 season

The Panthers have officially assembled their initial 16-man practice squad for the 2024 season.

The Carolina Panthers have officially assembled their first 16-man practice squad for 2024.

Some faces you’ll recognize—such as quarterback Jack Plummer, running back Mike Boone, wide receiver Jalen Coker, linebacker Chandler Wooten and safety Alex Cook, who appeared in 10 games for the Panthers during the 2023 campaign.

And same faces you’ll have to get to know—such as offensive lineman Ja’Tyre Carter, linebackers Tarron Jackson and Thomas Inboom and cornerback Lonnie Johnson, who spent last season with the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints.

So, without further ado, here is Carolina’s initial practice squad on the year:

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20 ex-Broncos players have signed with NFL practice squads

A group of former Broncos including Kareem Jackson, KJ Hamler, Caden Sterns and Tim Patrick have landed on NFL practice squads this week.

After the dust settled following NFL roster cuts, clubs have started filling their practice squads. So far, 20 former Denver Broncos players have signed with practice squads this week, including ex-players from past years.

Here’s the list:

RB Mike Boone (Carolina Panthers)
RB Nate McCrary (Green Bay Packers)
WR Tim Patrick (Detroit Lions)
WR Brandon Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
WR Jalen Virgil (Buffalo Bills)
WR KJ Hamler (Buffalo Bills)
WR Montrell Washington (Kansas City Chiefs)
OL Elijah Wilkinson (Atlanta Falcons)
OL Sam Mustipher (Los Angeles Chargers)
OL Henry Byrd (Minnesota Vikings)
OL Sebastian Gutierrez (San Francisco 49ers)
DT McTelvin Agim (Indianapolis Colts)
DL Elijah Garcia (New York Giants)
DL Kyle Peko (Detroit Lions)
DL PJ Mustipher (Arizona Cardinals)
DT Haggai Ndubuisi (Washington Commanders)
OLB Thomas Incoom (Carolina Panthers)
CB Art Green (New York Giants)
DB Kareem Jackson (Buffalo Bills)
DB S Caden Sterns (Philadelphia Eagles)

So far, only two players cut by Denver this week — offensive tackle Demontrey Jacobs (New England Patriots) and running back Samaje Perine (Kansas City Chiefs) — have landed on an active roster.

As for their own practice squad, the Broncos have filled 16 of 17 spots so far. The final spot should be filled soon.

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Ihmir Smith-Marsette ‘celebrates’ his birthday after being cut by Panthers

The Panthers cut WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette a day before his 25th birthday.

Before cutting a cake on Thursday, wideout Ihmir Smith-Marsette dealt with a cut of his own this afternoon.

On Wednesday, the 24-year-old receiver was one of six players waived by the Carolina Panthers. And yeah, it just so happens that the move literally went down a day before his 25th birthday.

Nevertheless, Smith-Marsette took to Twitter/X to “celebrate” shortly after the news broke . . .

Happy birthday to me 🫡

— Ihmir Smith-Marsette (@ihmirsm) August 28, 2024

Smith-Marsette appeared in all 17 games for Carolina during the 2023 campaign, where he served as the team’s primary punt returner. The speedster totaled 322 yards on a league-high 37 punt returns, including a 79-yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears in Week 10.

But with Smith-Marsette off the roster and on waivers (at least for now), the Panthers must find his replacement on return duties. Head coach Dave Canales offered a few options following Wednesday’s practice.

“Raheem Blackshear, he’s a fantastic returner. He can do both,” Canales said to reporters. “David Moore can also do both. Mike Boone has been a returner in his past. So those are some of the guys that we’re really counting on.”

In any event . . . happy birthday, Ihmir!

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Panthers HC Dave Canales asked about OLB, CB, punt returner jobs

Panthers HC Dave Canales offered some insight into a few of the team’s biggest question marks.

Amazingly enough, the Carolina Panthers’ big roster cutdown did not give us clearer answers on a number of question marks throughout the starting unit. In fact, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s moves may have even clouded the situation for those on the outside looking in.

But head coach Dave Canales seems to have a decent outlook.

Canales spoke with reporters following this afternoon’s practice, and was asked if the newly-acquired Michael (or Mike) Jackson is the favorite to start alongside Jaycee Horn at the cornerback position.

“It looks like that right now. But again, adding these guys—kinda hopeful to see what they can bring to us and see how quickly they can assimilate into our system,” Canales said of the team’s latest additions.

“Michael has experience in this scheme the last couple of years in Seattle. So, he’s fully aware of what’s expected of him from a scheme standpoint, and he’s the right style of player. He’s exactly what we look for. He shows up tough and physical at the ball, he’s got speed, he’s got size, all those things. Just an accountable guy.”

The Panthers traded for Jackson in exchange for 2024 seventh-round pick and linebacker Michael Barrett last Thursday. They also placed waiver claims on three cornerbacks earlier this afternoon—Keenan Isaac, Shemar Bartholomew and Tariq Castro-Fields.

Canales was later asked about the other starting position in question on the defense—the No. 2 job off the edge next to Jadeveon Clowney.

“Yeah, up for grabs still,” he stated. “This is a group of guys that’s worked really hard through camp and just gonna continue to see what DJ [Johnson], Eku [Leota], K’Lavon [Chaisson] can bring to us.”

Clowney, Johnson, Leota and Chaisson were the only four outside linebackers announced to the team’s initial 53-man roster. Carolina has since looked to add a few more at the spot—including former Seahawk Jamie Sheriff.

And next, the punt returner duties—left vacant by today’s release of wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

“Raheem Blackshear, he’s a fantastic returner. He can do both,” Canales later said. “David Moore can also do both. Mike Boone has been a returner in his past. So those are some of the guys that we’re really counting on.”

With the first game of the regular season set for Sunday, Sept. 8, Canales and the Panthers will have about a week to find their answers.

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Panthers 2024 initial practice squad tracker

Follow along as we track each of the Panthers’ additions to their initial 2024 practice squad

Yesterday wasn’t the only instance of heavy construction that we’ll see this week.

On Tuesday, NFL teams cut ties and made moves on over 1,000 players in shaping their initial 53-man rosters for the 2024 campaign. Some of those players will find their ways back on to other active rosters and even more will return to a locker room as practice-squad players.

As soon as the activity on Wednesday’s waiver wire is through, those who are not claimed can be signed to practice squads—often a 16-man group used as depth for practice sessions, scout work and emergency game situations.

Now, there’s little question as to if the Carolina Panthers and general manager Dan Morgan will be busy today. Morgan, on a few occasions, hasn’t been shy to flex the advantage of having the league’s very top spot on the waiver wire.

But when that work is through, we’ll need to shift our focus right to the taxi squad.

So, keep it here as we track each of the team’s additions to their initial practice squad for 2024 . . .

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Panthers’ 4 most surprising roster cuts from Tuesday

Which four cuts by the Panthers raised the most eyebrows on Tuesday?

It’s probably safe to say that the deepest collection of talent in the NFL doesn’t reside in Charlotte. But that doesn’t mean the Carolina Panthers didn’t have some tough decisions to make on Tuesday.

After a wave of moves throughout the morning and afternoon, the team has finally reached its initial 53-man roster for the 2024 campaign. And to get there, they had to cut ties with a few notable names.

Here are the four biggest surprise cuts from a busy day:

RB Mike Boone

The well-traveled 29-year-old had a handful of factors working in his favor.

For one, neither Jonathon Brooks nor Raheem Blackshear played a single snap of preseason action due to injury. With both backs on the mend, Boone could’ve conceivably snuck in as the third healthy rusher behind Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders.

Those absences also helped give way to a pretty productive summer showing for Boone, who rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. So between that and his head coach’s hankering to establish the run, Boone seemed to be a decent enough bet to make the roster.

But now, the Panthers are reportedly hoping he makes it back to the locker room in the next wave of moves.

WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

In a vacuum, the cut of Marshall Jr. isn’t too shocking.

Sure, he had himself an impressive offseason, and perhaps a new coaching staff could’ve finally extracted all that potential we’ve been waiting on. But reports of his departure have lingered in Carolina for a few years now—and the recent additions of Jonathan Mingo, Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette were phasing him out.

The surprise here is that Marshall Jr. wasn’t among the whopping seven wide receivers who were kept around. The former second-round pick, instead, lost out to the likes of returner Ihmir Smith-Marsette, veteran David Moore and undrafted rookie Jalen Coker.

TE Jordan Matthews

Matthews endeared himself to coaches, teammates and fans alike this summer.

The 32-year-old wideout-turned-tight end not only turned heads on the practice field, but also turned his opportunities into some real results in the preseason. After recording a team-high 48 receiving yards in the opener in New England, Matthews punctuated the offense’s beautiful opening drive with a touchdown in the finale versus Buffalo.

Carolina, however, moved ahead with just three tight ends—Tommy Tremble, fourth-round pick Ja’Tavion Sanders and franchise mainstay Ian Thomas.

DL T.J. Smith

Like Marshall Jr.’s, Smith’s departure is somewhat of a head-scratcher given the amount of players the team kept at his position.

The Panthers, who run a 3-4 base, opted for seven defensive linemen. If we had known that number prior to today, Smith would’ve seemed like a shoo-in—especially after notching a team-leading 2.0 sacks in the preseason.

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Panthers 2024 roster cuts tracker

Keep it here as we track each move the Panthers make in getting to their initial 53-man roster

Despite the difficult decisions that lie ahead, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales isn’t shying away from the challenge of getting down to his very first 53-man roster.

“Yeah, it’s hard. And I’m excited for it,” he told reporters after last Wednesday’s practice. “When you respect and regard the whole unit and you’re kinda bringing everybody up at the same time—with the teaching, with the practices, the drill work and all those things as we improve everyone—it makes the decisions harder and harder.

“So I’m really excited about doing this with Dan [Morgan], with Brandt [Tilis], with the coaching staff. We’ve kinda had our touch-points throughout camp to evaluate where we’re at right now, and then we’ll have that culmination after we get through this last game.”

Well, they got through that game—besting the host Buffalo Bills in their final preseason outing of the summer on Saturday. So now, the “excitement” begins.

Keep it here, from now until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, as we track each of the team’s moves in the path to their initial 53-man roster for the 2024 season.

Cuts:

G Jack Anderson (waived)
WR Sam Pinckney (waived)
S Rudy Ford (released)
WR Michael Strachan (waived)
OLB Luiji Vilain (waived)
TE Feleipe Franks (waived)
RB Jaden Shirden (waived)
LB Chandler Wooten (waived)
CB Dicaprio Bootle (waived)
QB Jack Plummer (waived)
RB Mike Boone (released)
OLB Derrick McLendon (waived)
TE Jacob Hollister (released)
G Mason Brooks (waived)
OLB Kenny Dyson (waived)
WR Terrace Marshall Jr. (waived)
TE Jordan Matthews (released)
CB Willie Drew (waived)
DT Junior Aho (waived/injured)
OT Tyler Smith (waived/injured)
DT Ulumoo Ale (waived)
LB Aaron Beasley (waived)
S Alex Cook (waived)
OT Jeremiah Crawford (waived)
OT Ricky Lee (waived)
CB Quandre Mosely (waived)
DT Walter Palmore (waived)
DT T.J. Smith (waived)
CB Chris Wilcox (waived)
G Ike Boettger (released)
TE Jesper Horsted (released)

Injury placements:

RB Jonathon Brooks (NFI)
OLB D.J. Wonnum (PUP)
OLB Amaré Barno (PUP)
CB Dane Jackson (IR/designated for return)
S Sam Franklin Jr. (IR/designated for return)
LB Tae Davis (IR)
OLB Cam Gill (IR)

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Initial 53-man roster projection for the 2024 Panthers

Here is our final projection for the Panthers’ initial 2024 53-man roster:

Now that the preseason is officially in the books, the Carolina Panthers have another task to tackle—the big cutdown.

Between now and 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Panthers and the rest of the NFL’s 31 teams must get down to their initial 53-player rosters.

Here is our final projection for Carolina’s initial 53:

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
Out: Jack Plummer

Plummer impressed in the summer finale, completing 21 of his 29 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. But that still won’t be enough to devote a third spot on the roster to a quarterback.

Running backs (4)

In: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone
Out: Jaden Shirden
Reserve/NFI list: Jonathon Brooks

Boone has benefitted from the inactivity of both Blackshear and Brooks, who isn’t expected back for at least a handful of weeks into the regular season. And luckily for the former, his successful track record as a kick returner keeps him around.

Wide receivers (6)

In: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore
Out: Terrace Marshall Jr., Michael Strachan, Jalen Coker, Sam Pinckney

The sixth and final spot came down to Marshall Jr. and Moore. Moore’s experience on special teams and his previous history with head coach Dave Canales in both Seattle and Tampa Bay give him the edge.

Tight ends (4)

In: Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews
Out: Feleipe Franks, Jacob Hollister, Jesper Horsted

Matthews earned his spot with a spectacular summer. The 32-year-old opened the preseason with a team-high 48 receiving yards in New England and ended it with a touchdown to kick off the last outing in Buffalo.

Offensive linemen (9)

In: Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala
Out: Ricky Lee, Jeremiah Crawford, Mason Brooks, Andrew Raym, Jack Anderson, Ike Boettger, Tyler Smith

Given that he’s the only true center on the roster, Raym has a shot to stick on. But the versatility of backups such as Nijman, Christensen and Mays allows the Panthers to keep the number of hog mollies at nine.

Defensive linemen (5)

In: Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, Shy Tuttle, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray
Out: Jaden Crumedy, T.J. Smith, Ulomoo Ale, Jayden Peevy, Walter Palmore, Junior Aho

Crumedy, the team’s sixth-round selection from this spring, could be in trouble while dealing a high-ankle sprain. So could Smith, who’d be a favorite to sneak back on as a practice squad member after recording a pair of sacks this preseason.

Outside linebackers (5)

In: Jadeveon Clowney, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, Luiji Vilain
Out: Cam Gill, Derrick McLendon, Kenny Dyson
Reserve/Physically unable to perform list: D.J. Wonnum, Amaré Barno

Vilain and Gill could be battling for the fifth locker. But if it actually doesn’t go to either, look for the Panthers to pick up a pass rusher off the street.

Inside linebackers (4)

In: Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus
Out: Chandler Wooten, Tae Davis, Aaron Beasley

Canales does not take special teams prowess for granted. Cherelus and Wooten could claim spots with theirs.

Cornerbacks (6)

In: Jaycee Horn, Michael Jackson, Troy Hill, Chau Smith-Wade, Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison
Out: Willie Drew, Chris Wilcox, Quandre Mosely
Injured: Dane Jackson

The “significant” hamstring injury to Jackson (Dane, that is) could force the Panthers to keep a few outside options—including both Bootle and Jamison.

Safeties (5)

In: Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Jammie Robinson, Alex Cook
Out: Demani Richardson, Rudy Ford
Injured: Sam Franklin Jr.

As Canales has stated, there’s no replacing Franklin Jr.—who will be out for quite a bit while healing up a broken foot. Cook, however, could give the Panthers a little bit back on special teams.

Specialists (3)

In: Eddy Piñeiro, Johnny Hekker, JJ Jansen

Well, nothing to see here.

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4 biggest winners from Panthers’ preseason finale vs. Bills

Let’s pick some winners from the Panthers’ preseason victory over the Bills on Saturday.

The Carolina Panthers ended their preseason on a high note, defeating the Buffalo Bills in their final exhibition on Saturday afternoon.

So, for one last time this summer, let’s pick some winners from the 31-26 victory . . .

Starting offense

It may have taken until the very last preseason game, but we finally got our sneak peek at quarterback Bryce Young and (most of) the starting offense. And boy, it was worth the wait.

Young led a clean 12-play, 85-yard touchdown drive on the game’s opening possession—completing six of his eight throws for 70 yards. The charge was capped off by an 8-yard reception in the end zone by tight end Jordan Matthews, who also reeled in an 8-yarder to begin the trek.

In all, Young connected with a total of five pass catchers on the drive—including wideouts Diontae Johnson (17 yards), Adam Thielen (21 yards) and Jonathan Mingo (3 yards) as well as rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (13 yards). So while this was just one touch in an exhibition game against Buffalo’s backups, it sure was nice to see a functioning offense—especially with Bryce on the field.

QB Jack Plummer

Young wasn’t the only Panthers quarterback who impressed this afternoon.

Plummer put forth his most poised and polished preseason performance of the summer, completing 21 of his 29 chucks for 278 yards and two scores. The undrafted rookie’s efforts helped the Panthers finish with 414 yards of total offense and four touchdowns, after coming in with only 307 total yards and one touchdown in their previous two summer contests combined.

Unfortunately for Plummer, his chances of making the team’s initial 53-man roster remain slim. But at least he put together some eye-opening tape to punctuate off his busy offseason—whether that leads to Carolina’s practice squad or to another NFL locker room.

WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

One of Plummer’s touchdowns ended up in the hands of Marshall Jr., who finished with three receptions for 39 yards. His score wasn’t a cheapie either, as he fought through a pair of would-be tacklers for a 15-yard trip to the end zone.

The 2021 second-round pick has been battling for one of the final spots in the team’s receiving room, a fight that features veteran David Moore—who has previous ties to head coach Dave Canales from both Seattle and Tampa Bay. Marshall Jr. may also have to fend off Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who sustained an ankle injury during the game.

RB Mike Boone

Boone proved he was much more than just a body this summer.

The 29-year-old rusher racked up 20 yards and a touchdown on four carries. He has now ended preseason play with 76 rushing yards on 18 attempts, good enough for a solid 4.2 yards per tote.

With Canales’ intent on establishing the run as well as the early absence of rookie and second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, Boone may have earned himself the backfield’s No. 3 role behind Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders.

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4 bubble players who have improved their chances to make Panthers’ initial 53-man roster

Here are four Panthers who have really improved their chances of making the team’s initial 53-man roster:

With just one preseason game left, the Carolina Panthers are currently working through a crucial week in evaluating their 90-man roster. And by the time that week is done, the roster will 37 men lighter.

By 4:00 p.m. ET on Aug. 27, all NFL teams must cut down to 53 players. Unfortunately, perhaps especially to those who have really impressed this offseason, that means a lot of guys will be looking for new opportunities.

But which Panthers, particularly the ones on the bubble, have made their cases to stick on by the end of next Tuesday?

Here are four players who have most improved their chances of making Carolina’s initial 53-man roster:

RB Mike Boone

Boone has come out of nowhere to make his case.

The early feeling around Carolina’s backfield was that it would include Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders and Raheem Blackshear as the top three rushers out of the gate. Second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, who remains on the active/non-football injury list, would then factor in upon his return.

But now, Boone may have a lane into the backend of the group. The 29-year-old has amassed 56 yards on 14 carries as well as three receptions for 13 more yards—showing patience and good vision in the backfield along with the shiftiness to create chunk plays.

WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

Marshall Jr.’s NFL career has been nothing if not consistent—but not in a great way. He’ll create some buzz during training camp and preseason, and then underwhelm once the real games begin.

Year No. 4 has been no different, at least through the first phase. Marshall Jr. seems to be making strides in practices, showing he can win at the line of scrimmage and be more consistent as a route runner.

The talent is there. He’s a big receiver at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, with the length and ball skills to make things happen any time the ball is thrown his way.

So while Marshall’s future is still up in the air, his improvement will be tough to overlook for head coach Dave Canales and company.

iDL T.J. Smith

The Panthers are looking for someone to step up alongside Pro Bowler Derrick Brown in 2024. And although they signed A’Shawn Robinson and have a handful of solid linemen returning this season, one unlikely man has emerged as a potential option.

That’s Smith, who has played some productive football in the team’s first two preseason outings. In fact, he leads the defense with a pair of sacks going into the finale on Saturday.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder fashions himself as a true five-technique who can create disruption and generate pressure. His explosiveness and ability to gain leverage has allowed him to get into the backfield quickly and create chaos.

There is a reason to believe that the former Razorback could be one of five defensive linemen on the final roster after next week’s cuts. If not, he has a clear path to being a quality player on the practice squad.

CB D’Shawn Jamison

After opening some eyes as a rookie last season, Jamison has stood out this summer.

While the former Texas Longhorn is listed at just 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, he plays much bigger than his billing. He’s physical, competitive and aggressive at the catch point—traits that may qualify him to be one of general manager Dan Morgan’s “dawgs.”

Jamison also has value as a special teams player, both in coverage and as a returner. He fielded a pair of kickoffs in the preseason opener, taking both attempts for 26-yard runs.

With projected starter Dane Jackson out for an extended period due to a hamstring injury, Jamison is making his case to play on Sundays once again.

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