Panthers look at veteran cornerbacks to fill in for Charles Tillman

With Charles Tillman expected to miss a few more weeks with a hyperextended knee, the Panthers brought in three veteran cornerbacks for workouts Friday and could sign one of them in the coming days, according to sources.

The Panthers plan to take a cautious approach with Tillman, who has been sidelined the past two games after injuring his right knee at the end of the Tennessee game Nov. 15.

Former Titans corner Cortland Finnegan, ex-Panthers defensive back Robert McClain and former Eagles corner Bradley Fletcher were in Charlotte on Friday for workouts, according to league sources.

Tillman, 34, in his first year with the Panthers, had his final two seasons in Chicago cut short by triceps tears.

Bené Benwikere has filled in for Tillman, although the Panthers believe Benwikere fits best at nickel covering the slot receiver.

Finnegan retired in March, but worked out recently for New England. The one-time Pro Bowler for Tennessee started 12 games for Miami last year but has a reputation as a dirty player.

Fletcher and McClain both were cut by the Patriots this season. McClain, the Panthers’ seventh-round pick in 2010, was let go at the end of training camp, while Fletcher was released in October.

The Panthers also have two corners on their practice squad they could promote – Lou Young and Ras-I Dowling, a former Patriot who was signed last week.

The team has a roster vacancy after Friday’s release of long snapper Danny Aiken, who was signed last week as a precautionary measure when J.J. Jansen was evaluated for a possible concussion.

This story was originally published November 27, 2015 at 8:57 PM with the headline "Panthers look at veteran cornerbacks to fill in for Charles Tillman."