Mike Tolbert placed on short-term IR

Carolina Panthers standout fullback Mike Tolbert is a jack-of-all-trades kind of player at a dying position, because he has the ability to beat defenses with a reception here or there, he can move the pile in the running game, he’s a very good blocker, and he has a real nose for the end zone. Tolbert suffered a hairline fracture in the Sunday night loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after needing an MRI on his leg, and his status was totally up-in-the-air (he received the wide-open “week-to-week” tag, which can be a bit ominous).

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Today, the Panthers have announced on Twitter that they are placing Tolbert on the short-term injured reserve (he has a designation to return), and they have signed linebacker D.J. Smith to replace his roster spot.

Tolbert has run for just ten yards on 14 carries this season, but he has eight receptions for 59 yards. With Jonathan Stewart out and injury-prone and DeAngelo Williams just returning from a two-week thigh injury, the Panthers backfield will surely miss Tolbert’s blocking, versatility, and ability to be a depth option in the running game.

The short-term injured reserve, of course, gives the Panthers more roster flexibility and helps Tolbert experience a fuller recovery. Tolbert can return to practice for the Panthers after spending at least eight weeks on the short-term injured reserve, so that’s something to keep in mind.

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