Marquis Haynes Sr. isn’t the only reinforcement the Carolina Panthers are calling on for tonight.
As announced by the team just a few hours ahead of their Week 10 showdown with the Chicago Bears, outside linebacker Eku Leota and wide receiver Mike Strachan have been elevated from the practice squad. Both are standard elevations.
Thursday will mark the third elevation for Leota, who must either be signed to the active roster or waived prior to Week 11. The undrafted rookie has played in 12 defensive snaps over the last two games.
With the likes of Brian Burns, Justin Houston and Yetur-Gross Matos all out for this one, Leota may get more looks from the outside linebacker position. He totaled 15.5 sacks over four years of collegiate ball between Northwestern and Auburn.
Strachan will bring some depth to the wideout spot with the expected absence of DJ Chark, who has been listed as doubtful due to an elbow injury. The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder, who previously spent time with head coach Frank Reich in Indianapolis, was signed to the team’s practice squad back on Sept. 13.