SPARTANBURG, SC (WCCB Charlotte) — Panthers head coach Ron Rivera is making sure defensive back Bene Benwikere is fully healed ahead of the grind of training camp.
Rivera and the Panthers have placed Benwikere on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list. Players can be moved off the PUP list to the active roster at any time, even after one practice.
“It gives him an opportunity to continue his rehab,” Rivera said. “Rather than exposing him to the work that’s out there, we are going to continue to expose him to the rehab program.”
Benwikere broke his leg in a 38-0 week 14 victory against the Falcons last season. Rivera reiterated that putting his projected starting cornerback on the PUP list is not a negative.
“There is no disappointment (that he’s not ready). Again, its going to heal,” Rivera said. “We want to prevent a set-back. We just don’t want to throw him out there. We want to expose him when he’s ready.”
The Panthers reported to camp on Wednesday. The team will hold their first practice on Thursday afternoon.
