Carolina Panthers waive former Gamecock Damiere Byrd

The Carolina Panthers waived former South Carolina wide receiver Damiere Byrd on Thursday, presumably to free up a roster spot at another position thinned by injuries.

Byrd, in his second year in the league, made the 53-man roster out of training camp after a couple of nice returns during the preseason. But he was inactive for each of the first five regular-season games.

The Panthers did not make a corresponding move Thursday.

But the team is banged up at defensive tackle. First-round pick Vernon Butler remains out with a high ankle sprain, and veteran Paul Soliai has a sprained foot, leaving his status in doubt for Sunday’s game at New Orleans.