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Carolina Panthers sign veteran defensive back Eric Rowe to practice squad

ProfilePhotoby: Nick Geddes08/31/23NickGeddesNews
Eric Rowe
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers have signed veteran defensive back Eric Rowe back to their practice squad after waiving him the day prior.

Rowe was a roster casualty as teams around the league trimmed their rosters down to 53. He initially signed with the Panthers in April after four seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

Last season, Rowe finished with 56 tackles (42 solo), four tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles. In his career, Rowe has 381 tackles (272 solo), seven tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, five interceptions, 41 pass deflections, six forced fumbles and fumble recovery. A 2015 second-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles out of Utah, Rowe spent the next three seasons of his career with the New England Patriots, winning two Super Bowls.

Eric Rowe joins more veterans on Panthers’ practice squad

Rowe is one of 11 players to end up back on Carolina’s practice squad after getting released Tuesday. He joins: offensive linemen Justin McCray, Deonte Brown, and J.D. DiRenzo; running back Spencer Brown; defensive linemen Raequan Williams and Taylor Stallworth; outside linebackers Eku Leota and Jordan Thomas; and cornerbacks Stantley Thomas-Oliver III and Mark Milton. The Panthers can make five more additions to their practice squad, with the maximum being 16.

Head coach Frank Reich said Tuesday he views practice squad players as an important part to the team.

“A lot of the guys that were let go today are going to be back here on our practice squad… Guys that were let go today are going to end up starting games for us this year. A lot or however many,” Reich said, via the team’s website. “I mean, it’s just going to happen every year in the NFL because of injuries; it’s a long season. And we’re going to be excited about it.

“We look at it, like when we get our 53, plus the 16. I know there’s that distinction. That pay’s a little different and all that stuff. But as far as the coaches are concerned, this is our squad. The 53 and 16, it’s all one squad. So that’s why, really, tomorrow, the work will be done.”