Antwan

Applewhite

A favorite of coach Ron Rivera, Applewhite gets high marks for special teams prowess and locker room presence. He’s also flashed pass rushing ability going back to his early career with the Chargers. Applewhite will be a backup in 2012 after recording 21 tackles and two sacks last season.

Applewhite has a history with coach Ron Rivera in San Diego and can play both linebacker and end. Senn finished fourth on the team in tackles (73), but is severely undersized and not likely to command much attention on the open market.

Applewhite, a Ron Rivera favorite, is a valuable special teamer, but he sometimes works as a situational pass rusher opposite Charles Johnson. His value to the Panthers is in the locker room.

The Panthers are down to three healthy defensive ends in this matchup, with both Applewhite and Keiser out due to injuries. Expect to see rookie end Frank Alexander quite often, but the Panthers continue to lack talent on the defensive side of the ball.

Antwan Applewhite (hamstring) was placed on season-ending injured reserve in a corresponding move. Undrafted out of Troy in 2011, Addison has played three games apiece with the Bears and Colts.

Applewhite has flashed pass-rush ability over the past few seasons and can help on special teams. Coach Ron Rivera was with San Diego as linebackers coach/defensive coordinator from 2007-10, so he’s familiar with Applewhite. Applewhite will likely play most of his snaps at defensive end in Carolina.

Applewhite had missed four consecutive games with a hamstring injury. With Shawne Merriman (groin) returning Monday night, the Chargers should have the linebacker depth to withstand the loss of a key reserve.

The former SDSU Aztec will step in as the Bolts’ No. 4 OLB behind Shaun Phillips, Jyles Tucker, and Marques Harris. Applewhite offers more as a pass rusher than Harris, and could pass him eventually to be a nickel blitzer.