Sports

Panthers cut receiver Jason Avant, place offensive tackle Nate Chandler on injured reserve

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Carolina Panthers' Philly Brown (16) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Kelvin Benjamin (13) as Atlanta Falcons' Robert McClain (27) walks to the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) (The Associated Press)

Carolina Panthers' Philly Brown, left, prepares to catch a touchdown pass against Atlanta Falcons' Robert McClain (27) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) (The Associated Press)

Coach Ron Rivera says the Panthers have released veteran wide receiver Jason Avant and placed starting right tackle Nate Chandler on injured reserve with a right knee injury.

Rivera said the team has signed wide receiver De'Andre Presley from the practice squad and have activated fullback Mike Tolbert from the injured reserve/designated to return list.

Avant was Carolina's third receiver this season and caught 21 passes for 201 yards and one touchdown.

Rivera said the release of Avant was made to give rookie Philly Brown to get more playing time. Brown caught a 47-yard touchdown pass in Carolina's 19-17 loss to Atlanta on Sunday.

Chandler started all 11 games at right tackle this season for the Panthers.

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