Cornerback Dane Jackson is set to make his Panthers debut.
Jackson was activated from injured reserve as part of a series of moves the Panthers announced on Saturday afternoon. Jackson, who signed with the team as a free agent, has been sidelined by a hamstring injury he suffered over the summer.
The Panthers also signed defensive tackle T.J. Smith to the active roster from the practice squad. Smith has played in seven games over the course of his career.
Cornerback Troy Hill was released and center Andrew Raym was waived to make room for the two new members of the 53-man roster.
The Panthers elevated edge rusher Shaq Lawson and linebacker Shaq Quarterman from the practice squad to round out the day’s moves. They’ll revert back after Sunday’s game against the Commanders.
Head coach Dan Quinn said running back Brian Robinson has been “trending up” when it comes to his potential availability for Sunday’s matchup against the Panthers.
But there’s still a chance Robinson won’t be able to play.
Robinson (knee) is officially questionable for Week 7. He was limited in all three days of practice.
Robinson missed last week’s loss to the Ravens. He’s rushed for 325 yards with five touchdowns and caught eight passes for 68 yards so far this season.
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee) and linebacker Jordan Magee (knee) are both questionable. Magee is returning from injured reserve and was a full participant in practice all week.
Defensive end Dorance Armstrong (rib) and safety Tyler Owens (shin) have both been ruled out.
Guard Nick Allegretti (ankle), center Tyler Biadasz (thumb), receiver Noah Brown (groin), safety Percy Butler (groin), cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (thumb), linebacker Frankie Luvu (toe), safety Quan Martin (shoulder), and defensive tackle Daron Payne (knee) are all of the injury report and are expected to play.
The Panthers are releasing veteran cornerback Troy Hill, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports.
With Carolina off to a 1-5 start, the team wants to see its young players. Cornerback Dane Jackson (hamstring) is returning from injured reserve, and rookie Chau Smith-Wade has lined up in the nickel for 35 snaps this season.
Hill, 33, is in his 10th NFL season, joining the Panthers before the 2023 season. He has played 202 snaps in the slot the past six games, which has included two starts.
In 22 games with the Panthers, Hill made 80 tackles, an interception, six pass breakups and a forced fumble.
He has 414 tackles, nine interceptions, 41 pass breakups and three sacks in his career, playing games for the Bengals, Rams, Browns and Panthers.
The Panthers aren’t all that hard to handle when they’re at full strength, so the Commanders should like their chances against a depleted Carolina roster this weekend.
Seven players have been ruled out and three more players are listed as doubtful to play on Sunday. The latter group includes linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, who missed last week’s game with the shoulder injury that is likely to keep him out this week as well.
Rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is one of the six who definitely won’t play. Brooks returned to practice this week after tearing his ACL at Texas last season, but he won’t be activated to face Washington.
Defensive end A’Shawn Robinson (knee), linebacker Josey Jewell (hamstring, groin), linebacker Claudin Cherelus (hamstring), right tackle Taylor Moton (elbow), and linebacker Jon Rhattigan (knee, illness) are also going to miss the game. Safety Sam Franklin (foot) and defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy are listed as doubtful to be activated from injured reserve.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ribs, hamstring, ankle) returned to practice on Friday and is listed as questionable. Wide receiver David Moore (knee), defensive end LaBryan Ray (ankle, knee), tight end Tommy Tremble (back, concussion), tackle Yosh Nijman (knee), and cornerback Dane Jackson (hamstring) are in the same category.
Commanders running back Brian Robinson returned to practice this week after missing last Sunday’s loss to the Ravens with a knee injury and he’s in play to return to action against the Panthers this weekend.
Head coach Dan Quinn said at his Friday press conference that Robinson had a good week of practice and is “trending up” in regard to being able to play this weekend. Quinn said a final decision will be made this weekend about his availability, but it sounds like the expectation is that he’ll be able to play.
Defensive end Dorance Armstrong will not be in the lineup, though. Quinn ruled Armstrong out with a rib injury, so the defensive line will be thin after defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was placed on injured reserve this week.
Safety Tyler Owens, who has a shin injury, was also ruled out by Quinn.
