A little known rule has, in part, cost offensive tackle David Sharpe his spot on the Carolina Panthers roster.
As announced by the team on Wednesday afternoon, about 30 hours ahead of their Week 10 matchup against the Chicago Bears, Sharpe has been released. The move opens up an extra spot on the active roster, which may be of use on the short turnaround for the Thursday night showdown.
That aforementioned rule comes into play as a result of Luiji Vilain’s placement on injured reserve. Carolina would’ve needed the outside linebacker, who was signed off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad on Oct. 24, to spend at least three weeks on the roster for his spot to be filled.
While Sharpe’s release cuts the group down to 51 of a possible 53 players, Vilain’s absence still leaves the Panthers with just one vacancy for the week.
Sharpe, originally a practice squad addition at the beginning of September, appeared in two games this season.
