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Panthers release cornerback Eli Apple 

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CHARLOTTE — The Panthers on Tuesday released cornerback Eli Apple.

A 2016 first-round pick, Apple signed a one-year deal in May. He suffered various injuries through training camp and was placed on the reserve/injured list to start the regular season. He was activated before the Week 4 matchup against the Cardinals but played only six special teams snaps before suffering another hamstring injury.

Apple was active for only the second time this season in Sunday's loss to New Orleans, his former team. Apple played 28 defensive snaps, recording four total tackles.

Apple was seen at the start of Tuesday's practice before leaving the field. He was listed on Carolina's injury report as a non-participant with a hamstring injury.

"He just didn't feel like he could go, so we sent him inside for treatment," head coach Matt Rhule said. "Sometimes it's just better just to have guys inside, getting treatment and trying to get them as close as possible."

At cornerback, Donte Jackson's turf toe is under control, as he played 97 percent of the defense's snaps on Sunday and is not listed on the injury report. With Rasul Douglas still on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Troy Pride Jr. is expected to start opposite Jackson against the Falcons. Carolina also has Corn Elder and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III on the roster for depth.

Carolina is 21-35 all-time against Atlanta dating all the way back to 1995.

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