The Carolina Panthers put right guard Jeff Schwartz on injured reserve along with wide receiver David Gettis, guard Zack Williams and tight end Gary Barnidge. This means those players will miss the entire season.

The Panthers also agreed to an injury settlement with quarterback Tony Pike and released him. Guard Duke Robinson was waived and long snapper Chris Massy was released.  

Losing Jeff Schwartz for the season is a blow to an already banged up offensive line. The fact that the team gave up on Duke Robinson shows that he couldn’t control his weight enough to play.

Putting Gary Barnidge on injured reserve may actually lengthen his career with the Carolina Panthers. Should Jeremy Shockey not be with the team in 2012 then Barnidge can step right in as the top backup to Olsen. Shockey did a good deed this week when the other tight end Hartsock choked on some meat and Shockey hit him on the back, knocking it loose.

Speculation is that the Panthers may go after a veteran offensive lineman as they need to protect Cam Newton at all costs. Other possible targets will be defensive line, corner and wide receiver as teams make their roster cuts.