After further evaluation, Panthers put kicker Zane Gonzalez on IR with quad injury
The Carolina Panthers are putting kicker Zane Gonzalez on the injured reserve, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.
Gonzalez suffered a quad injury last Sunday in pregame warmups before the Panthers’ game against the Buffalo Bills. The injury was not as serious as originally feared, but he is going to miss at least three games.
The Panthers plan to sign kicker Lirim Hajrullahu from Washington’s practice squad. Hajrullahu spent time on the Panthers’ practice squad in December 2020 but was released because of issues with his work visa.
Gonzalez was perhaps the Panthers’ most consistent player. He made 20 of 22 field-goal attempts, including his last 17 tries. He was also 22 of 23 on extra-point attempts.
After suffering the injury, Carolina used wide receiver Brandon Zylstra on kickoffs.
The Panthers didn’t attempt a single field goal Sunday. They went for it on fourth down five times and converted only one. Carolina lost to the Bills 31-14.
