Tauren

Poole

A decisive, physical runner, Poole won the Pat Tillman Award at the 2012 East West Shrine Game after playing as the lone senior starter on a bad Tennessee team. He’s a candidate for the practice squad if he makes it through waivers. QB Jimmy Clausen and WR/KR Armanti Edwards both survived cut-down day.

Poole lost out to Armond Smith, who will slide in as the No. 4 RB behind DeAngelo Williams, Mike Tolbert and Kenjon Barner.

There are no overly notable names in this group. Poole failed to beat out rookie draft pick Kenjon Barner for a roster spot in training camp.

It’s a quiet list, one full of first- and second-year undrafted free agents. Poole made it to final cuts with the Panthers in 2013, but getting waived at this stage of the game suggests he won’t crack anyone’s practice squad.

The team placed T Garry Williams (back) on injured reserve in a corresponding move. Poole’s signing indicates Jonathan Stewart will not play against the Panthers.

Poole was just promoted from the practice squad over the weekend. He handled one carry against the Ravens, losing a fumble on the play. It’s a sign RB Fozzy Whittaker will be healthy along with Darrin Reaves for Week 5.

Williams doesn’t have any structural damage, but is very sore after spraining his ankle against the Ravens Sunday. He’s week to week, leaving the Panthers to scour the free agent wire for running backs. Right now, their only healthy runners are UDFA Darrin Reaves and practice squad callup Tauren Poole. Fozzy Whittaker (quad) is expected to practice Wednesday.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Williams’ status for Week 5 against the Bears is in “serious doubt.” Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert and Fozzy Whittaker are also all sidelined, leaving just UDFA Darrin Reaves and practice squad callup Tauren Poole as healthy members of this backfield. Williams sustained his sprain during Sunday’s loss at Baltimore.

Poole was the No. 2 back through Carolina’s rotation after DeAngelo Williams’ early second-quarter ankle injury, playing behind UDFA Darrin Reaves. A 25-year-old with CFL experience, Poole obviously hurt his chances at earning more playing time going forward.