National Football League

Panthers sign RB Whittaker, S Nelson

Published Jul. 27, 2014 3:31 p.m. ET

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SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) The Panthers announced they have signed running back Fozzy Whittaker and safety Tom Nelson.

Whittaker, 25, has spent time with Arizona, San Diego and Cleveland and run for 79 yards and two touchdowns during his career. He also has return experience.

The 27-year-old Nelson has played in 24 regular season games during his career and has 36 tackles and one interception. However, he's not played in an NFL game since 2011.

Nelson signed with Cincinnati as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and played two years with the Bengals. He has also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears.

In corresponding moves, the team said cornerback Da'Quan Menzie has informed them he plans to retire and running back Tyler Gaffney has been placed on injured reserve.

NOTES: Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Sunday tight end Brandon Williams and defensive back Anderson Russell were carted off the field because of cramping, but both should be fine. ... Rivera also said he hopes to name a starting left tackle after the team's second preseason game. Byron Bell and Nate Chandler are competing for that position.