North Charlotte Today

The Panthers placed defensive tackle Derrick Brown on injured reserve Tuesday following a knee injury sustained in Sunday's opener against New Orleans. Brown, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection last season, played 60 of the 66 snaps in the game. His absence for the remainder of the season leaves a significant gap in the defense.

"Definitely a huge loss, right? He's one of our best players. That's big shoes to fill," head coach Dave Canales stated. "But at the same time, we've got players in there, I want them to know and be encouraged. If you go in, you play with great technique, and you just do your job, we don't need you to make the special plays that Derrick makes."

Canales added: "Just do your job, help the guys on either side of you and that's the truth of it. If you can play team football with a bunch of guys, you can have success."

In related moves on Tuesday, outside linebacker Jamie Sheriff was waived by the team after being one of six players claimed from other teams following cuts.

Additionally, veteran special teamers Mike Boone and Lonnie Johnson were signed to the active roster from the practice squad after being elevated to play last week.

The Panthers also bolstered their practice squad by signing veteran defensive end DeShawn Williams and cornerback Azizi Hearn. Williams started 10 games last season and played in all 16 games; he previously played under current defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero in Denver and attended training camp with Buffalo this summer. Hearn was previously with Raiders' camp last year before spending time on Patriots' practice squad; he played college football at Arizona, Wyoming, and UCLA.