Kenny Dyson Waived by Panthers After Groin Injury Setback
The Carolina Panthers have made a roster move involving defensive lineman Kenny Dyson, waiving the young player on Tuesday, according to a report from team insider Darin Gantt via the Panthers’ official website. The decision comes shortly after Dyson had suffered a groin injury earlier in training camp, though his release did not come with any official injury designation. This likely indicates that the team believes he has fully recovered and is not dealing with any lingering physical limitations.
Dyson, who was in the midst of a competitive battle for a spot on the Panthers’ defensive line, ultimately did not make the cut. The move appears to have been performance-based rather than injury-related, as Carolina begins the process of narrowing down its roster ahead of the upcoming NFL season.
The 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive lineman was considered a potential depth option along the interior of the Panthers’ defensive front. Throughout training camp, Dyson was working to prove he could contribute as part of the rotation behind the team’s starters. However, with several players already established in those roles and others stepping up in recent practices and preseason action, Dyson faced an uphill battle to secure his spot.
It is important to note that while Dyson’s early injury may have initially hindered his ability to showcase his full potential, the fact that he was waived without an injury designation suggests the team felt he had returned to full health. This could increase his chances of catching on with another team if there’s a need for defensive line help elsewhere.
The groin injury came at an unfortunate time for Dyson, who needed every opportunity to make a strong impression on the coaching staff and front office. In the ultra-competitive environment of NFL training camps, especially for players not locked into starting roles or high draft pedigree, any time lost to injury can have significant consequences.
Dyson entered the offseason as a developmental player with upside but faced stiff competition from both rookies and veterans alike. Carolina’s defensive front already features established names, and the team recently made other additions at the position, further complicating Dyson’s chances. With the NFL’s regular season rapidly approaching, teams across the league are evaluating every player on their 90-man rosters, and the Panthers are no exception.
The Panthers’ decision to move on from Dyson is likely one of many forthcoming moves as the franchise seeks to trim its roster to the league-mandated limit of 53 players. While this marks the end of Dyson’s time in Carolina, it doesn’t necessarily signal the end of his NFL journey. If he is indeed healthy, there may be other teams willing to bring him in for a workout or sign him to a practice squad, particularly those looking to add depth on the defensive line.
Many young players, particularly undrafted free agents or late-round picks, often bounce between teams early in their careers as they try to find the right fit. Dyson’s physical profile and potential versatility as a rotational defensive lineman could be appealing to a team looking to develop a player with upside. His experience in an NFL training camp environment, even a shortened one, will also serve as a valuable asset as he continues to pursue professional opportunities.
For now, Dyson will become a free agent, available to be claimed by any other NFL team. If unclaimed, he could still return to the Panthers in some capacity later in the season if injuries arise or roster space becomes available.
While this waiver marks a temporary setback, Kenny Dyson’s path forward remains open, and how he responds to this challenge may ultimately define the next step in his professional football career.