You can never have too many legs, especially if you’re the Carolina Panthers.
As first reported by team scribe Darin Gantt on Friday afternoon, the Panthers have signed kicker Taylor Bertolet to their practice squad. This move comes amidst the minor uncertainty surrounding the status of starter Eddy Piñeiro, who has been dealing with a hip issue leading up to Sunday’s season opener against the Cleveland Browns.
Piñeiro has popped up on the injury report for the past two days, just a week after signing on to replace a lost Zane Gonzalez. But head coach Matt Rhule told reporters on Wednesday that he has no major concerns just yet on the fifth-year veteran, who was listed as a full participant for both practices.
“Came in, got treatment on it,” Rhule said of Piñeiro’s hip. “He kicked today, so nothing so far that would make me concerned. Ya know, obviously, any time your kicker reports anything, it makes you a little bit reticent. But nothing that’s a major concern yet.”
Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor agreed with that sentiment on Thursday, stating he has no worries about Piñeiro.
Regardless, the Panthers have insured themselves at the position with Bertolet—a Carolina practice squad member from 2020. Tight end Josh Babicz was released to make room for the addition.
