Panthers shelve Otah for season

By Darin Gantt - daringantt@carolina.rr.com

CHARLOTTE -- The Panthers placed their 10th player on injured reserve Tuesday, and this was a big one.

Right tackle Jeff Otah went to IR after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee during Sunday's loss to New England. The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder had started every game this season, but also had battled shoulder problems throughout the year.

While it wasn't the most serious injury, he wasn't going to be back before the next three weeks, making the move a necessity.

The Panthers likely will use second-year backup Geoff Schwartz in his place this week. Like left guard Mackenzy Bernadeau, Schwartz was one of the Panthers' seventh-round picks last year.

To fill Otah's roster spot, the Panthers signed tackle Rob Petitti. A sixth-round pick by the Cowboys out of Pittsburgh in 2005, Petitti also has played for New Orleans and St. Louis.

The Panthers also worked out former Jacksonville tackle Maurice Williams. He was claimed off waivers by Detroit last week but failed his physical there.

SHOW HIM THE ROSENHAUS — Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall recently signed with Drew Rosenhaus, giving the superagent yet another player in Charlotte.

Rosenhaus also represents linebackers Jon Beason and Dan Connor, defensive tackle Damione Lewis and practice-squad cornerback Marcus Walker. While many are turned off by Rosenhaus' high-profile tactics, the Panthers always have had a good relationship with him.

Marshall's contract expires after this season, but without a new labor deal between the league and the union, he will be a restricted free agent, and the Panthers certainly will place a high tender on him to keep him in town.

EXTRA POINTS — In advance of their visit Sunday night, the Vikings signed a former Panther on Tuesday.

The Vikings promoted linebacker J Leman from their practice squad to replace linebacker Erin Henderson, who was suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Leman was in training camp with the Panthers, and had an impressive summer, but was cut so they could keep more athletic backups. ...

Kelvin Smith, the linebacker the Panthers placed on injured reserve Dec. 1, was waived off the list this week as well.