Omar

Gaither

Gaither is taking the roster spot of Travis Goethel (injured reserve, knee surgery). A six-year veteran who appeared in 10 games for the Panthers last season, Gaither couldn’t make it past final cuts in Texans camp. He’ll be a reserve and special teamer in Oakland.

29-year-old Gaither spent the second half of last season on Oakland’s roster and knows Dennis Allen’s defense. He’s long been an ineffective linebacker.

The 6-1/233-pounder is moving to middle linebacker in Philly. He isn’t likely to be a major part of the defense until his second season.

Gaither played on the outside in his college career. For now, he’s behind Jeremiah Trotter and Mark Simoneau on the depth chart.

Gaither had been running as the starter on the weak side following Thomas Davis’ season-ending knee injury. He is questionable to return. Jason Williams has come on as his replacement.

Gaither’s loss is bad news for a team already missing Thomas Davis and Jon Beason. Jason Williams, who started in Weeks 3 and 4, will take Gaither’s place. Gaither will likely return following the Panthers’ Week 9 bye. Opposing running backs remain a must-start against Carolina’s 28th ranked run defense.

He’ll retake the job from Jason Phillips, who was starting after Jason Williams got benched. The position hasn’t produced much IDP value this season.

Undersized Jordan Senn (5'11/224) will start in Gaither’s place. MLB Don Connor (shoulder) is a game-time call and the extremely favorable matchup for Indy’s run game gets even better with this news. It’s a mystery which back is going to lead the way for Indy at this time, but if reports can shed some light on the situation heading into game-time, owners should be ready to move. The Panthers are a sieve.

Gaither takes the roster spot of special teamer Keyaron Fox, who was placed on injured reserve. Although Gaither started 26 games with the Eagles in 2007-08, he’s been limited to spot duty and special teams the past three years.

Both failed at the gig after starter Stewart Bradley went down last preseason. The Eagles addressed the linebacker spot during the offseason by trading for Ernie Sims and drafting Keenan Clayton. Mays may have to impress on special teams to make the squad. Gaither is coming off a Lisfranc injury.