Panthers add depth at running back, claim Royce Freeman

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have claimed running back Royce Freeman off waivers from the Denver Broncos, giving them some veteran experience they lacked behind Christian McCaffrey.

The fourth-year running back ran for 1,187 yards and had 409 yards receiving with nine touchdowns in three seasons with the Broncos. Freeman started eight games for Denver as a rookie in 2018 and averaged 4.9 yards per carry.

Mike Davis was McCaffrey's backup last season and had a lot of playing time after McCaffrey missed 13 games with injuries. But Davis signed with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this offseason as a free agent.

The Panthers waived running back Trenton Cannon to make room on the roster, leaving the team without a clear punt and kick returner.

___

More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL