The Panthers have placed punter Andy Lee on the injured reserve, reports Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer (via Twitter). The team has signed punter Michael Palardy to replace the Pro Bowler.
Lee injured his hamstring during Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs, and the veteran punter was unable to take the field during the second half. The 34-year-old has continued his reign as one of the league’s top punters in 2016. He’s averaged 49.1 yards per punt this season, good for fourth in the NFL. The 13-year veteran has also placed 18 punts inside the 20-yard line.
A sixth-round pick back in 2004, Lee was traded from the Browns to the Panthers this past offseason. Prior to his one season in Cleveland, Lee played 11 seasons with the 49ers, where he was a three-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro. Lee currently ranks ninth all-time in punting yards and 19th in punts. The punter is signed through the 2018 season.
Palardy, a 2014 undrafted free agent out of Tennessee, was in contention for the Panthers’ punting gig before the team traded for Lee. The 24-year-old has also spent time with the Browns and Falcons.
Y’all need a punt to go far so get ya self a goodie to go far in air. Fly high punt ball. Y’all need that everyone do.
The panthers lost to the Chiefs Sunday, not the Seahawks.