Panthers place veteran wide receiver on injured reserve to bring in young defensive back
The Panthers placed veteran wide receiver Damiere Byrd (hamstring) on injured reserve on Wednesday.
Byrd suffered a significant hamstring injury during the second week of training camp, head coach Frank Reich said earlier this month. Due to the timing of Byrd’s placement on the list, he is not eligible for a “return” designation.
Byrd, 30, re-signed with the Panthers in the offseason. He previously played for the Panthers from 2015 to 2018. In between stints in Carolina, Byrd previously played for the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons.
During his career, Byrd has caught 130 passes for 1,689 yards and seven touchdowns. He is also a dynamic returner, who returned a kickoff for a touchdown in 2017 with Carolina.
The Panthers have dealt with several injuries on offense over the past two weeks. Along with Byrd, fellow wideout Terrace Marshall (back), running back Miles Sanders (groin), quarterback Andy Dalton (back), pass rusher Marquis Haynes (back), guard Cade Mays (neck), offensive tackle Cam Erving (ankle) and defensive end Henry Anderson (foot) have been sidelined of late.
The Panthers are dealing with a couple of injuries in the secondary as well. Cornerbacks Mac McCain and Greg Mabin both missed workouts earlier in the week, as the Panthers prepare to face the New York Giants in the Meadowlands on Friday.
With Byrd’s injured reserve designation in place, the Panthers used the open roster spot to sign former Los Angeles Rams safety Collin Duncan. The undrafted rookie from Mississippi State will enter a crowded safety room, but he will look to provide depth on special teams and in the secondary for the remainder of the preseason.
This story was originally published August 16, 2023 at 2:06 PM.
