CHARLOTTE – The Panthers have placed offensive lineman Nate Chandler on injured reserve and signed free agent offensive lineman Fernando Velasco, who played 13 games for Carolina in 2014.
Chandler's season ends prematurely for the second consecutive year, while Velasco brings versatility and familiarity to the offensive line.
Chandler had been battling a right knee injury and was inactive for the season opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars. He started 11 games at right tackle last season before tearing his right lateral meniscus ligament versus Atlanta in Week 11.
Velasco, who can play both guard and center, started seven games at guard for the Panthers in 2014. Signed by the Tennessee Titans this offseason, where he played from 2009-12, he was released during the preseason.
Rookie offensive tackle Daryl Williams is currently out two to four weeks with a knee injury, making Amini Silatolu the primary backup at tackle.
