Panthers make first roster moves before NFL cutdown day

Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales hinted that early roster moves could be made, prepping for Sunday's NFL cutdown day when teams must trim their rosters from 90 (or 91) to 53.

"They'll be in waves," Canales said after Friday night's 16-13 exhibition-ending win over the visiting Houston Texans. "We'll start (Saturday) with some guys."

True to his word, the Panthers announced running back Miles Davis, tight end Caden Prieskorn, defensive tackles Kyon Barrs and Tywone Malone and wide receivers Elijah Cooks and Roc Taylor were waived Saturday. Offensive tackle Ryan Hayes was designated waived, injured and wide receiver/special teams ace Dan Chisena was released with an injury settlement.

Canales ensured that "when guys become available," the front office was prepared to give players a better chance to latch on with another club. 

"That gives them a better opportunity to kind of be exposed to the rest of the league to see if people are watching their film," said Canales, whose club went 3-1 during the preseason. 

Panthers coach Dave Canales: 'There's a lot to work through'

With questions at inside linebacker throughout the offseason, the Panthers agreed to terms with veteran Bobby Okereke on a one-year deal Saturday. The veteran is expected to add competition for the ILB2 role alongside Devin Lloyd in the 3-4 base defense.

Out of football throughout the offseason program and training camp, Okereke spent three seasons with the New York Giants and four with the Indianapolis Colts, who drafted the former Stanford standout in the third round in 2019. 

The 30-year-old collected 805 career total tackles, 11 forced fumbles, 7.5 sacks and seven interceptions. Starting 17 games for the Giants last season, Okereke registered 143 tackles. 

Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace battled for the role throughout the spring and summer, but neither established himself as a front-runner. Wallace was credited with a sack Friday at Bank of America Stadium. 

MORE: Panthers' OL struggles versus Texans during NFL joint training camp practice

With NFL teams required to make their final cuts by 6 p.m. ET Sunday. Taking advantage of the international roster exemption, the Panthers, who carried a 91-man training camp roster, are expected to retain the services of linebacker Mapalo Mwansa. 

"I think of Mwansa, for example, (is) a guy that we know can really help us on special teams and he played quality snaps on defense throughout this preseason, finishing some games," Canalas said. "He really gives himself value that way."

Canales spoke of a few of the weekend challenges the front office faced.

"How do you keep three quarterbacks (and) four running backs? Canales said. "How do you keep seven receivers ... eight receivers.

"We gotta work it out in the next couple of days. There's a lot to work through."

General manager Dan Morgan's effort started with Saturday's initial moves.

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