Panthers release DT Louis Leonard after injury-plagued year in Carolina

Panthers release DT Leonard, ending 1-year stint

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers have released defensive tackle Louis Leonard, ending an injury-filled year in Carolina.

The 26-year-old Leonard entered training camp as a favorite to win a starting job on the Panthers’ revamped defensive line, but didn’t live up to expectations. He failed to crack the rotation and had three tackles in two games. The Panthers didn’t immediately replace him Tuesday on the 53-man roster.

Leonard was acquired from Cleveland before the start of last season for a sixth-round draft pick, but played in only two games before breaking his left ankle.

The Panthers gave Leonard a one-year, $1.6 million tender in the offseason. But he was slowed in training camp with a sore knee and missed the Sept. 19 loss to Tampa Bay with an elbow injury.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Panthers have released defensive tackle Louis Leonard, an injury-filled year in Carolina.

The 26-year-old Leonard entered camp as a favorite to win a starting job on the Panthers’ revamped defensive line, but failed to crack the rotation and had three tackles in two games. The Panthers didn’t immediately replace him Tuesday on the 53-man roster.

Leonard was acquired before the start of last season from Cleveland for a sixth-round draft pick, but played in only two games before breaking his left ankle.

The Panthers gave Leonard a one-year, $1.6 million tender in the offseason. But he was slowed in training camp with a sore knee and missed the Sept. 19 loss to Tampa Bay with an elbow injury.