Sir Purr
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- Mar 16, 2019
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While Davis’ role may not be as defined yet, Elder’s looks a little bit more concrete. After No. 1 cornerback James Bradberry missed last week’s matchup with Green Bay and cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Ross Cockrell suffered lower body injuries, the Panthers secondary is looking thin.
That’s why Elder’s return makes sense. The Panthers drafted Elder in 2017, but placed him on injured reserve after he suffered a knee injury in training camp. Elder appeared in 13 games for Carolina during the 2018 season but was waived during the preseason earlier this year.
With the depth chart taking a few hits recently, picking up a player like Elder who was already familiar with the Panthers’ defensive scheme was a big selling point.
“That’s why you bring a guy back that you had in camp,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “We’re bringing him back because he knows our system, so his transition back should be seamless. He got some reps today and it was good to see him out there.”
If it comes down to it, Elder said he feels like he could be ready to go this Sunday against the Falcons.
“I’m still familiar with the playbook,” Elder said. “I’ve got a bunch of guys who I can look over it with, talk to about it. I’m very familiar with it, so yeah, I definitely think I can be ready for whatever.”
When he first got the news that he’d be returning to Carolina, the first people Elder informed were his old Thieves, Jackson and Bradberry.
“They were the first two people I texted when I got the news and everything,” Elder said. “D-Jack, he kind of gave me a little bit more excitement. JB, that’s my boy, I know he’s happy to see me.”