CHARLOTTE – The Panthers have brought back Geoff Hangartner for a third stint with the team to help shore up their injury depleted guard position.
Starting right guard Chris Scott is day-to-day with a knee injury, and backup Jeff Byers has been placed on injured reserve with a Lisfranc injury. Converted defensive lineman Nate Chandler, now an offensive tackle, was forced into duty at right guard following injuries to Scott and Byers in Sunday's win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Hangartner was released by the Panthers during training camp, with the team electing to move forward with Garry Williams at right guard.
Williams, however, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the season opener versus the Seattle Seahawks, paving the way for Scott – who was signed the day after Hangartner was released – to take over at right guard.
Starting left guard Amini Silatolu suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 5, and Travelle Wharton – who was signed late in the preseason – has since started in his place.
When Hangartner takes the field, he will be the seventh player the Panthers have used at guard this season.
Originally a fifth-round draft pick by the Panthers in 2005 from Texas A&M, Hangartner previously played six seasons with the team (2005-08 and 2011-12). He started 55 games in Carolina, spending time at both guard and center during his tenure.
Hangartner started four games at right guard last year, then switched to center for eight starts following Ryan Kalil's season-ending foot injury.
