Practice Squad Taking Shape
By John White
The Carolina Panthers practice squad has gone from zero to five today.
"The Panthers have signed five of the players they cut Saturday to their practice squad, including draft picks Nick Hayden and Geoff Schwartz.Others added to the practice squad were running back DeCori Birmingham, wide receiver William Buchanon, and defensive back Joe Fields.Carolina had the option of adding quarterback Brett Basanez, but opted not to do so.The Panthers can add three more to their practice squad, and also are expected to add a kick returner to their active, 53-man roster.Hayden, a defensive tackle, and Schwartz, an offensive tackle, were sixth- and seventh-round picks, respectively.Only one player cut by the Panthers was claimed via waivers by another team. Defensive end Stanley McClover, cut in favor of rookie Hilee Taylor, was claimed by the Houston Texans."
The team still has three spots available on the practice squad. It’s likely those spots will be filled with players from the waiver wire.