Carolina Panthers sign former Ohio State offensive lineman to active roster

The Carolina Panthers added former Ohio State offensive lineman Michael Jordan to the active roster ahead of their Week Six matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The addition marks Jordan’s second stint on the Panthers roster, separated by two weeks of practice squad work.

The 6-foot-6, 313-pound offensive lineman started the season with the Cincinnati Bengals, who drafted him No. 136 overall in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft. After being waived, he signed with the Panthers, serving as a reserve lineman over the opening weeks.

He was then waived on Oct. 4 but was added to the practice squad on Oct. 5 when he cleared waivers. He has played in 27 games over his career, starting 19 of those.

Michael Jordan offers the Carolina Panthers needed depth on the active roster, with general manager Scott Fitterer openly admitting his staff reached out about available linemen across the league.

More about Michael Jordan

Once named a high school All-American in 2015, Michael Jordan joined the Ohio State offensive line. He spent three seasons with the Buckeyes before leaving for the NFL.

Jordan was part of Urban Meyer’s 2017 and 2018 Big Ten championship teams, winning the Cotton Bowl and Rose Bowl over those two seasons.

Christian McCaffrey placed on IR

The Carolina Panthers were hopeful they would get Christina McCaffrey back as soon as this Sunday. However, it’s evident that won’t be the case — and then some. According to the Panthers website, the team won’t be getting McCaffrey back for quite some time.

“The Panthers placed Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve Saturday afternoon, giving their star running back three more weeks to get healthy from his recent hamstring injury,” wrote the Panthers. “The decision was made after the team’s medical staff met Saturday to discuss the best course of action to get him fully healthy.”

Additionally, the Panthers also placed rookie guard Deonte Brown on injured reserve as well. The rookie out of Alabama left practice yesterday with a knee issue.

The unfortunate news hurts the Panthers offense, which has struggled mightily since McCaffrey went down. One of the main players affected has been quarterback Sam Darnold, who has looked more like the Jets’ version of himself in recent weeks.

In McCaffrey’s stead, former Oklahoma State star Chuba Hubbard has been carrying the load. Last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Hubbard had his best game as a pro — rushing for 101 yards.

Over the next three weeks, the Panthers don’t exactly play any world-beaters. After the Minnesota Vikings this weekend, Carolina plays the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons.