Associated Press
CHARLOTTE ó The Carolina Panthers need to find a new starting right guard.
The team placed projected starting right guard Geoff Schwartz on injured reserve on Tuesday, one of seven roster moves to get them down to the league-mandated limit of 80 players.
The Panthers also waived/injured a pair of former draft picks ó quarterback Tony Pike and guard Duke Robinson ó and released long snapper Chris Massey. The team also placed tight end Gary Barnidge, wide receiver David Gettis and offensive lineman Zack Williams on injured reserve.
Coach Ron Rivera said there wasnít any difference between J.J. Jansen and Massey at long snapper, so ěwe decided to stick with what weíve got.î
Schwartz hadnít practiced since injuring his hip at Fan Fest on Aug. 7.
ěThatís a tough one,î Rivera said. ěWe hoped that he would react positively to the treatment. Heís been out for a long time, and we have to move forward with this season unfortunately. Hopefully he can get it taken care of and be ready to go (next year).î
Rivera did not specifically address whether Schwartz will need surgery.
ěIt was a situation where he wasnít getting better,î Rivera said.
Mackenzy Bernadeau, who has been starting at right guard, has struggled and is sidelined with a turf toe injury. With both out, Garry Williams, last yearís starting right tackle, has been running with the first team in practice.
The decision to put Barnidge on injured reserve was not a surprise as heíll miss 12 weeks with a fractured ankle. Pike, a sixth-round pick last year out of Cincinnati, had elbow surgery last week on his right throwing arm after missing most of training camp.