Carolina Panthers wide receiver Damiere Byrd was not seen at practice Tuesday morning and now, we know why.
Byrd is dealing with a severe hamstring injury that will cost him at least a month, according to head coach Frank Reich.
"Damiere's hamstring is pretty significant. It's going to be a while. It could require a procedure. We're continuing to get him evaluated. It's a shame because he was really looking good and obviously, he's put himself in good position," Reich stated. "I don't want to put a timeframe on it. It's not season-ending, but it's significant. It's more than a month. It's more six, eight weeks."
Assuming Byrd is indeed out to begin the season, this opens up the door for guys like Shi Smith and Derek Wright to make a push for a spot on the Panthers' 53-man roster.
Byrd signed with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina in 2015 and spent the first three years of his career in Carolina. In his first stint with the organization, Byrd collected 12 receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns and returned 10 kicks for 294 yards and one score. His 103-yard kickoff return touchdown remains the longest kick return in franchise history.
This past season, he averaged 20.6 yards per reception with division rival Atlanta.
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