Frank

Kearse

Shirley, rookie Frank Kearse, and second-year pro Andre Neblett have been a boon to the run defense as well. Despite losing rookie starters Terrell McClain and Sione Fua, the Panthers have improved to 21st in run defense, allowing just 95.6 yards per during a 4-1 stretch.

24-year-old Kearse is a big body out of Alabama A&M. He goes to make room for UDFA Nate Chandler. The Panthers should still be in the process of trying to unearth defensive tackle help. Starters Ron and Dwan Edwards have been overworked and ineffective. Kearse has practice squad eligibility left.

He will be placed on season-ending injured reserve, with Frank Kearse promoted from the practice squad to take his roster spot. The 33-year-old had been playing on early downs but was below average in run defense. Sione Fua should take over as the starter inside. It’s not a major downgrade.

At 6'4" and 320 pounds, the wide-bodied Kearse is well worth the three-week trial for a team desperately in need of a run plugger. He’s a developmental project out of Alabama A&M.

The Cowboys continue to flail at help for their beleaguered defensive line. Kearse, a 2011 seventh-round pick of the Dolphins, replaces Drake Nevis.

Kearse was allegedly stabbed by his girlfriend. Going on 28, Kearse appeared in four games for the Redskins last season. He should be released with an injury settlement at some point in the near future.

He announced the signing on his Instagram page. Kearse logged just 76 snaps last year and probably won’t have much of a role if he makes the team.

Kearse appeared in just four games for the Redskins last season. Going on 28, he’d be a body with long odds of cracking the Patriots’ 53-man roster.

Kearse brings a wide-bodied nose tackle’s size at 6'4/315, which will come in handy with Miami’s 3-4 scheme. His strength and good first step aid him as a run-plugger, but he lacks the balance and moves to get to the QB. The Dolphins will try to develop him as Paul Soliai’s backup.

The Dolphins like the seventh-rounder’s size and motor. He’ll be added to the practice squad if he goes unclaimed.