Thomas

Austin

Austin will add depth with Pro Bowler Ryan Kalil out for the season. The Panthers are expected to shift veteran RG Geoff Hangartner to center, leaving Garry Williams and Jeff Byers to compete for the open guard spot.

Smith rushed for 150 yards on 35 preseason carries for a 4.3 YPC average. His elevation suggests Jonathan Stewart will be hard-pressed to return from a pair of ankle injuries this week. The Panthers preferred Austin to veteran OL Jeremy Bridges, who was waived in a corresponding move.

Austin, 26, appeared in four games for the Panthers last season, making one start. He was cut by Carolina ten days ago, and is a roster long shot with Indy. The Colts waived/injured LB Scott Lutrus (knee) in a corresponding move.

RB Shaun Draughn was cut in a corresponding move. The Colts have four offensive linemen on the Week 16 injury report, so Austin is needed depth.

Austin played in one game for the Colts last season and has made eight appearances (one start) over the past three seasons for Indianapolis, Carolina, and Houston. The Colts signed WR Greg Moore in a corresponding move.

The former UDFA from Clemson was always a roster long shot.

The undrafted free agent out of Clemson is a candidate for the practice squad.

A tight end at Temple, the 6'6/271-pound Maneri remains in a developmental phase entering his second NFL offseason. He went undrafted last April. Austin played college ball at Clemson. At 6'3/315, he projects as a guard.

The Bengals, Rams, and Colts also put in claims. Austin spent last season on New England’s practice squad after going undrafted out of Clemson in 2010. He’ll add depth at guard with Kasey Studdard and Antoine Caldwell injured.