With three weeks left in a 2019 season filled with change, interim head coach Perry Fewell has begun tinkering with the roster he inherited after the Panthers parted ways with Ron Rivera last week – his first move last week was to promote wide receiver and returner Greg Dortch to the active roster while waiving Donte Moncrief. After Dortch fumbled a kickoff in Atlanta and almost lost another, Dortch was waived for the second time this season by the Panthers.
DJ Moore, who has the fourth-most yards receiving in the NFL, returned punts while Dortch was on the practice squad previously and may inherit that role back this week against Seattle – although another contender for that job may have emerged from injured reserve as the team officially designated Chris Hogan to return, which means he can be added to the active roster at any time after working on the side the last few weeks and participating in practice Wednesday.
Hogan was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury after Week 4 – Hogan returned a kickoff 21 yards in Week 2 against the Bucs.
The Panthers also made some other moves, adding a pair of Wilsons to the roster linebacker – Ramik Wilson, a 2015 fourth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs who has spent time with the Rams, Jaguars and Cardinals, will fill the spot which was occupied by Dortch. The 6-2, 238 pound Wilson has 146 tackles, five fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and 15 TFLs in his four seasons in the league.
Marquis Haynes suffered a knee injury Sunday in Atlanta and left Mercedes-Benz Stadium on crutches.
The Panthers also inked former Buccaneer WR Bobo Wilson, who was one of the star of Hard Knocks, to the practice squad – the team likes having a designated returner during practice which helps the special teams ensure their coverage is secure – Wilson had eight receptions in his three years with Tampa Bay, the first of which was an 18-yard touchdown against the Panthers in 2017.
Wilson had 15 punt returns for 42 yards this season, but was released after muffing two punts against the Panthers in London.
