Brandon

Hogan

Hogan’s knee didn’t respond well to a pair of practices on artificial turf, but he says it feels better now. The fourth-rounder has yet to appear in a game after being activated from the PUP list in early November.

A fourth-round pick, Hogan began the year on the PUP list as he recovered from a torn ACL suffered in college. He was activated in early November, but has yet to appear in a game. Considered a potential early-round pick before his injury, Hogan could carve out a meaningful role in Carolina’s secondary next season.

The third-rounder tore his ACL in his final game at West Virginia late last season. A favorite of NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock, Hogan was considered a potential first- or second-round talent with character red flags before the knee injury.

“I think I’m right about there. I still have some swelling, some pain sometimes,” Hogan said. “But I just try to push through it and see how it feels afterward.” Most players have an 8-10 month timetable after ACL surgery. It’s disconcerting that Hogan is still battling a year and a half later. If healthy by training camp, he’s expected to be in the mix for the No. 2 cornerback job.

A fourth-round pick last season, Hogan ended up appearing in only three games after beginning the year on the reserve/PUP list. He tore his ACL in December 2010 at West Virginia. The nature of Hogan’s current injury is unclear, but he wasn’t expected to begin the year on reserve/PUP, so it’s surprising he’s landed on injured reserve. He’ll be far from guaranteed a roster spot in 2013.

Beginning the year on reserve/PUP would cost Hogan six games. “The thought is to getting Brandon healthy and back on the practice field,” coach Ron Rivera said. A fourth-round pick last season, Hogan appeared in only four games as he recovered from a torn ACL suffered as a college senior. The knee is the reason he’s yet to practice. He must have encountered a setback at some point.

They’re washing their hands of Hogan. The 98th overall pick in the 2011 draft, Hogan suffered an August knee injury after tearing his ACL in December of 2010 at West Virginia. Hogan figures to get another chance once his health situation clears up, although he has a history of off-field problems and the durability is an obvious concern. He’s now an unrestricted free agent.

Hogan was the ultimate boom or bust draft pick coming off the ACL injury and a host of character red flags. His talent isn’t in question, however, and he’s a favorite of respected NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock. The former West Virginia star is almost certain to start the season on the PUP list.

Hogan is littered with character flags. “I laid it out,” said Rivera. “There’s no three strikes you’re out. You’re here to do it our way, the right way, the Panthers’ way. If not, there will be some consequences.” Added GM Marty Hurney, “He knows he can’t make any more bad decisions.” Hogan is recovering from a torn left ACL. He may not be ready until midseason.

Are the Panthers the new Bengals? Another major red-flagged prospect, Hogan was likely scratched from most draft boards after two alcohol-related arrests as a senior -- including DUI -- plus a torn ACL suffered in the Mountaineers’ regular season finale. A former wide receiver, Hogan has day-two talent for sure but won’t be ready until August at the earliest. He could be a candidate to start his rookie season on the PUP list.