CHARLOTTE – The Panthers completed a series of roster moves Tuesday morning by signing linebacker Andrew Gachkar to the 53-man roster and waiving quarterback Brad Kaaya. The addition of Gachkar provides linebacker depth with Luke Kuechly in the concussion protocol.
On Monday, the Panthers signed quarterback Garrett Gilbert from the practice squad to the 53-man roster and waived safety Dezmen Southward.
Gachkar has not yet played in 2017 after spending training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the first four years of his career with the Chargers, who drafted him out of Missouri in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
He spent the last two seasons as core special teams contributor with the Cowboys, playing in every game in 2015 and 2016. Gachkar has only missed one game in his six seasons. His career totals include 144 tackles, two sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble.
In addition, Gilbert's promotion and the release of defensive lineman Mike Purcell created two open spots on the practice squad. The Panthers filled those spots by bringing back running back Jalen Simmons and cornerback Zack Sanchez, a fifth-round pick by Carolina in 2016.
