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Panthers sign rookie WR to practice squad on Thursday
- Story by
- Panthers sign rookie WR to practice squad on Thursday
The Carolina Panthers have added a 2025 national champion to the locker room.
As announced on Thursday afternoon, the team has signed wideout E.J. Williams to their practice squad. The rookie receiver fills the vacancy left behind by veteran inside linebacker Tyrel Dodson , who was inked to the active roster earlier in the week.
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Williams spent his first three collegiate seasons at nearby Clemson University. He'd amass 40 receptions for 442 yards and a pair of touchdowns for the Tigers between 2020 and 2022.
His final three campaigns came at the University of Indiana , where he appeared in 27 games from 2023 to 2025. Williams was a member of the Hoosiers' national title squad this past year—where he notched bests in catches (36), receiving yards (438) and touchdowns (six).
The 6-foot-3, 203-pounder then cracked into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders in the spring—joining his Indiana quarterback and 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Williams reeled in three passes for 52 yards in three preseason games with Las Vegas this summer.
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) and running back Jonathon Brooks (25) warm up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan (right) greets running back Jonathon Brooks (25) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Jaelan Phillips (5) during pregame warmups prior to the game against against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) before the start of the game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd (55) enters the field before the game against Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Will Lee III (24) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to throw in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) catches the ball while defended by Chicago Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (29) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald (10) kicks a field goal in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (97) reacts after a defensive stop in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates a touchdown with running back Chuba Hubbard (30) in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) runs with the ball while defended by Chicago Bears defensive back Cam Lewis (21) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (25) runs with the ball while defended by Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws in the second quarter against against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jaelan Phillips (5) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jaelan Phillips (5) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) celebrates with tight end Tommy Tremble (82) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller (88) runs with the ball in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (82) reacts in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) dives for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) catches the ball in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) runs the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales reacts in the secound half against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) shakes hands with Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) and running back Jonathon Brooks (25) warm up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) and running back Jonathon Brooks (25) warm up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
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Insider: Panthers were never handing over RB1 job to Jonathon Brooks
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan (right) greets running back Jonathon Brooks (25) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Jaelan Phillips (5) during pregame warmups prior to the game against against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) before the start of the game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd (55) enters the field before the game against Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Will Lee III (24) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to throw in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) catches the ball while defended by Chicago Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (29) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald (10) kicks a field goal in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (97) reacts after a defensive stop in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11
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Panthers QB Bryce Young may run into big problem vs. Browns in Week 3
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates a touchdown with running back Chuba Hubbard (30) in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) runs with the ball while defended by Chicago Bears defensive back Cam Lewis (21) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (25) runs with the ball while defended by Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14
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Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws in the second quarter against against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jaelan Phillips (5) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16
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Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jaelan Phillips (5) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17
/25
Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) celebrates with tight end Tommy Tremble (82) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18
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Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller (88) runs with the ball in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (82) reacts in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) dives for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) catches the ball in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
23
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Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) runs the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
24
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Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales reacts in the secound half against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' Week 1 loss to Bears
Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) shakes hands with Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers sign rookie WR to practice squad on Thursday
