Carolina Panthers release veteran OL Justin McCray
The Carolina Panthers have released veteran offensive lineman Justin McCray, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. The former UCF star was a member of the team’s practice squad.
McCray played in two games for the Panthers during the 2023 campaign. Carolina had a bye this past weekend but owns an 0-6 record. It is the only NFL team to remain winless this late in the season.
Prior to his arrival in Carolina, McCray has had stops with the Green Bay Packers (2017-18), Cleveland Browns (2019), Atlanta Falcons (2020) and Houston Texans (2021-22).
McCray has played in 78 career games in the NFL and made 29 starts. He started in 13 games over two years with the Packers and made 10 starts in two seasons with the Texans.
The Panthers return to the field on Sunday against the Texans.
Panthers QB Bryce Young opens up about losing
Bryce Young‘s first NFL season has been full of change. Not only is the No. 1 overall pick making the transition from college to the pros, he’s gone from a blueblood program at Alabama to a bottom-feeder in Carolina.
The Panthers currently own an 0-6 record this season, the only team in the NFL that remains winless. Things looked promising on two Sundays ago, with Carolina jumping out to an early 14-0 lead against Miami. But it didn’t last long.
The Dolphins jumped into high gear in the second quarter, kick-starting a 35-0 run to build a 21-point advantage early in the fourth. Miami went on to win 42-21. It was another disappointment for Young.
“It’s tough. love this team, believe in this team; I’m blessed and happy to be a part of this team. And obviously, it’s not where we want to be, hasn’t been what we wanted,” Young said, per the team’s website. “It’s tough, but we’ve got to keep building, keep growing, trying to find things to continue to improve on, things that we’ve had. We’ve got to expand on it. We’ve got to keep building on the positives, and then, obviously, a lot to clean up.”
Young completed 23-of-38 passes for 217 yards with a touchdown in the loss to the Dolphins.
Through the first six weeks, Young has started in five games for the Panthers, missing the team’s Week 3 game against Seattle due to an ankle injury. The rookie has thrown for 967 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions.