Friday NFL buzz: Panthers waive starting CB Bene' Benwikere
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Panthers drop starting CB in surprise move
The Carolina Panthers made a big move to shake up their secondary.
Starting cornerback Bene' Benwikere was waived Friday, the team confirmed.
"We decided to move on," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said at his Friday news conference. "We have a group of young guys and we want to see them play."
On Sunday, the Panthers allowed Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan to pass for 503 yards, 300 of which went to wide receiver Julio Jones. According to Pro Football Focus, Benwikere was responsible for yielding 228 of those yards on eight of Jones' 12 receptions.
Benwikere, 25, is less than 10 months removed from a fractured fibula that ended his second NFL season in December. He had started all four games and had an interception in the season-opening loss at Denver. Rookie James Bradberry covered Jones to start Sunday's game, but stubbed a toe on the first series, forcing Benwikere to cover one of the NFL's top receivers.
James Bradberry, the Panthers' other starting cornerback, said a turf toe injury would force him to miss Monday's game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carolina also promoted cornerback Zach Sanchez, a fifth-round draft pick formerly on the practice squad, to its active roster.
Meanwhile, quarterback Cam Newton remained out of practice as he recovers from a concussion, while linebacker Thomas Davis was limited with a hamstring injury.
Siemian questionable for Broncos
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. —There is a golf ball-sized lump on top of Trevor Siemian’s left shoulder. Maybe the lump is a couple centimeters bigger that a golf ball.
No wonder there was initial fear of a fractured collarbone.
Early Friday, Siemian was using a left-shoulder tuck mechanic while throwing spirals with his right hand.
“Hey, they teach that,’’ Siemian said, smiling.
Tests revealed no fractures but a sprained AC joint in Siemian’s left, non-throwing shoulder. His passing motion Friday was such that it appeared he was wearing a left shoulder harness. Only he wasn’t.
“He’s just working through soreness,’’ Kubiak said. “Trying to let everything go, turn his trunk, do all those type of things, working through soreness.’’
- Mike Klis, KUSA
Diggs doubtful for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings may be without yet another key offensive figure against the Houston Texans.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who is fifth in the NFL in receiving yards, is doubtful with a groin injury.
Starting right tackle Andre Smith also was ruled out with a triceps injury.
Eifert still sidelined
Tyler Eifert won't make his season debut just yet.
The Cincinnati Bengals tight end was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Eifert was looking to make his first contribution since suffering an ankle injury in the Pro Bowl, but he hurt his back in practice on Monday.
Decker out, Revis questionable for Jets
The New York Jets will be without at least one star for their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Wide receiver Eric Decker remains out with a shoulder injury, while cornerback Darrelle Revis is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury.
McCoy questionable for Bills
Running back LeSean McCoy is now questionable for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams after suffering a hand injury in Friday's practice.
McCoy called the hand injury "something minor" and was confident he would play.
"I won't miss this game," McCoy said on SportsCenter. "I won't miss it for the world."
Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, looking to make his season debut after a four-game suspension, also suffered a hamstring injury and is questionable.
Brissett to IR
The New England Patriots placed quarterback Jacoby Brissett on injured reserve Friday.
The move leaves Jimmy Garoppolo as Tom Brady's only backup as the starter returns from a four-game suspension.
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