Jeff

Byers

A second-year undrafted free agent, Byers made starts at USC as both a guard and center. He’ll audition for the 2012 roster in the last three games.

Austin will add depth with Pro Bowler Ryan Kalil out for the season. The Panthers are expected to shift veteran RG Geoff Hangartner to center, leaving Garry Williams and Jeff Byers to compete for the open guard spot.

Jeff Byers has started the past four games at the position, but Williams relieved him early in last week’s game due to ineffectiveness. Williams started at the spot in Week 5 but was abused by the Seahawks pass rush. Recently signed Jeremy Bridges will be the back-up with Byers serving as the emergency third option.

He’s the third Panthers offensive lineman to retire in the past month. Still only 28 years old, Byers is recovering from a Lisfranc injury. A 2010 undrafted free agent, Byers made 22 career appearances, and seven starts.

Byers underwent season-ending surgery Monday. Byers was filling in at right guard in place of Chris Scott, who was sidelined by a balky knee. Byers has appeared in 22 games the past two seasons, making seven starts. He’ll be a restricted free agent in the spring.

Byers was filling in at right guard for Chris Scott (knee). Third-stringer Nate Chandler is now in the game. Scott has graded out as a bottom-11 guard in Pro Football Focus’ ratings.

Pitcock came out of retirement at age 26, but he didn’t show enough in a month to make up for two years away from the game. Parks saw plenty of action as a returner during the preseason, but he got squeezed out at receiver.