#Panthers cut-down day observations

-- If there was any doubt the Panthers are serious about finding help at defensive tackle and (probably) punt returner, there's none now. After cutting 23 players and placing rookie DT Corvey Irvin on IR, they're at 51 players, so the decision on whom to cut to make room for two new guys has already been made.

-- They made room on the defensive line by putting Irvin on IR and cutting Marlon Favorite and George Hypolite. They're down to three DTs -- Damione Lewis, newcomer Louis Leonard and Nick Hayden. If there was a surprise in the cuts, it might have been Favorite being let go.

-- The pickings will probably pretty slim on Sunday's waivers list for DTs -- it will range from veterans like Shaun Smith (with a trouble-making reputation), cut by the Lions; to rookies like Terrance Taylor, the Colts' fourth-round draft pick last spring.

-- Makes sense for the Panthers to check out Mark Jones, who returned punts and kicks for them last season and was just cut by the Titans. Jones had hamstring problems in training camp, though, which might be a red flag.

-- They kept five defensive ends -- Julius Peppers, Tyler Brayton, Everette Brown, Charles Johnson and Hilee Taylor.

-- All of their rookie draft picks -- except Irvin -- made it. Offensive lineman Garry Williams is only the third undrafted rookie to make the team in coach John Fox's tenure with the Panthers.

-- Among those waived whom the Panthers would probably like to place on their squad (if they're not picked up by somebody else): LB Jeremy Leman and QB Hunter Cantwell. DE Casper Brinkley, another of Saturday's cuts, could be back for another stint on the practice squad. -- David Scott