Surprise Panthers Move Suggests Key Pass-Catcher Nearing Return

The Carolina Panthers are coming off one of the worst losses in Week 1 on Sunday, as they were hammered 47-10 by the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers couldn’t do anything right on Sunday, which was illuminated by the struggles on both sides of the ball.

Carolina began to pick up the pieces from the disappointing showing on Monday, which included an interesting roster move. According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the Panthers waived tight end Feleipe Franks.

Person adds that the decision to waive Franks could mean the Panthers feel good about Tommy Tremble’s chances to return to the field or they could sign another tight end to replace him. 

The 26-year-old Franks was promoted from Carolina’s practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s Week 1 contest against the Saints. Franks played 21 snaps in the regular season opener (four on offense, 17 on special teams).

Franks joined the Panthers this summer after being placed on injured reserve last season by the Atlanta Falcons. The 6-foot-6 tight end was cut by the Panthers ahead of the roster deadline but re-signed a couple of days later to the practice squad.

Carolina would love to have Tremble back on the field, who missed Week 1 with hamstring and back injuries. The 24-year-old pass catcher was listed as DNP for all three days of practice, leading into Sunday’s divisional game against New Orleans.

The Panthers are also keeping an eye on the health of veteran tight end Ian Thomas, who missed Sunday's game with a calf injury.

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