The Carolina Panthers have brought back their leading rusher from the summer.
As first noted by team reporter Darin Gantt on Thursday, rookie running back Dillon Johnson has returned to the locker room as a member of the practice squad. The 23-year-old led the Panthers with 89 rushing yards during preseason play.
A standout from the University of Washington, Johnson broke into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans in the spring. They’d go on to waive the six-foot, 217-pounder on July 25, giving way to his signing with Carolina just six days later.
Johnson would star in the team’s second preseason outing against the New York Jets on Aug. 17, recording 83 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries in the 15-12 loss. He’d be waived on Aug. 19.
The addition of Johnson now gives the Panthers a 17-man practice squad, with the extra spot being vacated by wide receiver Praise Olatoke of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program.
