Carolina Panthers 2020 practice squad live tracker
By Dean Jones
Which players will form the Carolina Panthers 2020 practice squad next season? Keep up to date right here on our live tracker.
The Carolina Panthers can begin making additions to their practice squad for the 2020 season. The deadline of 1pm EST for waiver claims has now passed, so expect plenty of activity across the board in the days and weeks ahead.
This is an uncertain period of the year for those on the fringes. The Carolina Panthers got their roster down to 53-men and even more cuts need to be made following their decision to pick up three players from the wire earlier today (Sunday).
The Carolina Panthers strengthen their roster with three waiver claims.
Cornerback Rasul Douglas and defensive lineman Shareef Miller will both be part of Carolina’s roster going forward. They also managed to snag Trenton Scott, who becomes the latest former Los Angeles Chargers offensive lineman to join the ranks,
This has left undrafted tackle, Matt Kaskey, out of luck after initially making the team. It is all part of the cutthroat business of the NFL, but it does not make it any less disappointing for players like the rookie looking to make a name for themselves.
Practice squad numbers will be around 16 this year. There is also the chance for the Panthers to place four under the protected tag on a weekly basis to prevent them from moving to another team.
You can keep up to date with practice squad moves as they happen right here on our live tracker.
Ishmael Hyman – WR
According to multiple reports, wide receiver Ishmael Hyman is the first to secure a practice squad place. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer impressed during training camp. But the strength in depth at the position is a real area of strength for the Carolina Panthers.
He will now get his chance to improve as part of the practice squad and he could be the first in line to step up to the main roster when someone goes down through injury.
Giovanni Ricci – TE
The Carolina Panthers opted to bring through just two tight ends onto their roster in 2020. They didn’t pick one up off the waiver wire as yet. But this is something that might change depending on Ian Thomas’ production and health.
Giovanni Ricci came into the organization as an undrafted free-agent and it is clear he left his mark on the Panthers’ coaching staff. Putting him on the practice squad is a significant confidence boost and one that should come with time to develop at his own pace.
Marken Michel – WR
The brother of New England Patriots running back Sony is set to be part of the practice squad, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Marken Michel was a late addition to the Carolina Panthers during training camp and did a nice job of catching the eye in a short space of time.
This is going to be another invaluable learning curve for the player and one that should stand him in good stead regarding his aspirations of being on an NFL roster in the not-too-distant future.
Sam Tecklenburg – OL
It’s fair to say that Sam Tecklenburg made his presence felt at training camp with the Carolina Panthers. He was one of the more surprising performers during team drills that left plenty speculating whether he would make the 53-man roster or not.
Tecklenburg was tempted out of retirement by his former college coach Matt Rhule. This familiarity is something he has used to his advantage and he will be a tremendous addition to the practice squad.
Mike Horton – OL
Another offensive lineman joining the practice squad is Mike Horton. The undrafted free-agent was put on waivers yesterday as the decision-makers trimmed their roster to 53 by the 4pm EST deadline. But he will now get the chance to be around an NFL organization in some capacity during his rookie campaign, according to Alaina Getzenberg of the Charlotte Observer.
Austin Larkin – DE
The first confirmed defensive player on the practice squad is Austin Larkin, per Joe Person of The Athletic. The defensive lineman was brought in by the Carolina Panthers late on during training camp. But he fitted in seamlessly to a different environment and managed to get a place with the unit after clearing waivers.
Chris Orr – LB
Former Wisconsin standout Chris Orr left a significant impression during training camp and also takes his place on the practice squad, according to Alaina Getzenberg of the Charlotte Observer.
The fiery player has a significant amount going for him at the next level and was unfortunate not to be included on the 53-man roster. Orr could get the protected player tag in order to keep him within the organization.
Kaare Vedvik – K/P
The Carolina Panthers also decided to bring back Kaare Vedvik, who will be part of the practice squad and keep Joseph Charlton fully focused on the task in hand after the rookie was preferred on the 53-man roster.
Bruce Hector – DT
Bruce Hector is also being brought back by the Carolina Panthers. The former Philadelphia Eagle was a dark horse to make the roster before eventually being waived and his experience will be crucial for the team’s preparations going forward.
Clay Johnston – LB
Clay Johnston reunites with his former Baylor coach Matt Rhule after becoming one of the more notable stories on Hard Knocks with the Los Angeles Chargers. His boundless enthusiasm and love for the game shone through and the linebacker is an intriguing development project as he recovers from a serious knee injury.
Natrell Jamerson – CB
Natrell Jamerson might have missed out on a roster spot, but his high level of production makes him a deserved addition to the practice squad.
There is plenty to like about his ability to make a good impression with this responsibility. And he will get a tremendous amount going up against the formidable wide receiver weapons in Carolina.
Myles Adams – DT
Another undrafted free-agent to make the practice squad is Myles Adams. The tenacious defensive lineman was a big hit at training camp and should gain a tremendous amount from being part of the set-up.
Woodrow Hamilton – DT
Woodrow Hamilton would have been more disappointed than most not to see his name on the roster. He will still get to be part of the practice squad. But he is another who brings experience to the lineup.
Reggie Bonnafon – RB
More than a few eyebrows were raised when Reggie Bonnafon didn’t make the 53-man roster. He averaged 7.3 yards-per-carry in 2019 during limited time on the field and he will now get the opportunity to make further strides in a bid to win back his place on the team down the line.