Fozzy Whitaker tears ACL in noncontact drill, goes to IR

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL during Monday's noncontact running drill in Phase 2 of offseason workouts.

Whittaker, in the last year of a two-year deal, has been mostly a third-down back and return specialist for the Panthers the past four seasons. He has 536 yards rushing on 121 carries and 397 yards receiving for Carolina.

The move came three days after Carolina signed former Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson to a one-year deal.

Christian McCaffrey is set as the Panthers' starting running back, with Anderson and Cameron Artis-Payne vying to be the change-of-pace power back.

Carolina signed free agent Elijah Hood after he was waived by the Oakland Raiders and on Friday signed Kenjon Barner to a one-year contract. Undrafted running back Reggie Bonnafon is expected to sign before Carolina begins a two-day rookie minicamp Friday.