The Panthers have made a roster move after just a few days in Spartanburg, switching out project tight end Nelson Rosario for an established player at the position -- former North Carolina TE Zach Pianalto.
Even though Ron Rivera seemed to like Rosario, it appears that he just wasn't cutting it in Spartanburg:
Rosario spent all of the 2012 season on the Panthers roster, but head coach Ron Rivera said recently he liked Rosario, a former UCLA wide receiver, as a pass catcher but he struggled to hold up at the point of attack.
-Jonathan Jones, Inside the Panthers
From what I saw at the two practices I attended, Rosario didn't really stand out in a good or bad way, so I guess Rivera is just looking for someone more established at the tight end position (that, or Rosario looked epically bad yesterday and today).
Pianalto certainly looks the part, as he brings a large frame and ability to catch the football to the table:
At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, Pianalto brings both size and pass-catching abilities to the Panthers tight end group. He grabbed four passes for 40 yards for Tampa Bay in 2011, appearing in 13 games for the Bucs.
-Jones
I'm not sure if Pianalto will make the roster or not, as UDFA Brandon Williams was showing some signs of potential during the first weekend of camp. The competition for the 3rd tight end spot on the depth chart seems to be open though, so at least Pianalto will get a chance to show what he's got.
Stay tuned to CSR for more updates on player movement throughout training camp.