The Carolina Panthers needed to cut down to 75 players on Monday and four players will be put on injured reserve or the PUP list in order to hit that mark. The team is now at the league's mark and will play the final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers before making its final cuts to 53.
Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer reports that quarterback Matt Blanchard, tight end DC Jefferson and center Kevin Matthews have all been placed on injured reserve, ending their seasons. Meanwhile wide receiver De'Andre Presley has been placed on the physically unable to perform list, opening the door for him to return mid-season.
None of the moves are surprising given the status of the players involved. Blanchard was fighting for a backup quarterback job, but sustained a concussion against the New England Patriots in the team's third preseason game, prompting his trip to IR. It's likely the Panthers will keep three quarterbacks this year following the news Cam Newton fractured a rib, only as an emergency option. Joe Webb can easily fill that role following his excellent preseason play.
The big cut will happen prior to week one of the regular season. It's here we'll see the most shocking releases, while also keeping tabs on teams around the league to see if there are some veteran players who can quickly fill gaps in the Panthers roster.