On a day when the NFL witnessed a flurry of transactions resembling a last-minute holiday shopping spree before the league’s annual trade deadline, the Carolina Panthers appeared to catch a case of FOMO.
Panthers Unexpectedly Release QB on Tuesday
Carolina released quarterback Hendon Hooker as part of a trio of roster transactions involving their practice squad.
The full, detailed view of the transactions also includes the release of OLB Carlos Basham and OT Michael Tarquin. Those openings were immediately filled by signing RB DeeJay Dallas and DB Israel Mukuamu to the practice squad.
Both Dallas and Mukuamu are familiar names, as Dallas already saw action earlier in the season when RB Chuba Hubbard was sidelined.
Guard Ja’Tyre Carter will occupy the final vacancy on the unit. Carter will be signed as a practice squad exception after being a roster casualty with an injury designation when the Panthers trimmed down to the initial 53-man roster.
Hooker was brought into the mix in August after being waived by the Detroit Lions, who originally drafted the former Tennessee Volunteer in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
When he was signed to the Panthers’ practice squad, head coach Dave Canales sounded eager to work with the talented young passer, saying, “It’s the same guy, same depth of character. I really just happen to like him a lot, and plus all the talent. I’m really excited for him to be here this season.”
Canales continued about “all the talent,” specifically adding, “Smooth thrower, a lot of power in his arm. I can tell he’s worked on his footwork, his base, and fundamentals since college. He looks like he’s really dialed into the technique.”
The Panthers’ starting QB, Bryce Young (No. 21 in PFSN QBi with a 73.6 grade in Week 9), returned to action after missing one contest with an ankle injury. Backup QB Andy Dalton was active this past week (thumb) despite being injured.
Carolina also added veteran QB Mike White from the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad leading up to the Week 8 game. Hooker’s release appears to be an unfortunate numbers-game result, at least for the time being.