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Standout preseason performer for Panthers signs with Cowboys practice squad
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- Standout preseason performer for Panthers signs with Cowboys practice squad
A standout 2026 preseason may have helped a former Carolina Panthers player land himself a new job.
According to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Dallas Cowboys have signed defensive lineman Elijah Garcia to their practice squad. The 28-year-old defender spent the summer with the Panthers before being released on Sunday during the team's cutdown to their initial 53-man roster.
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Garcia entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. He'd go on to pick up additional stints with the Denver Broncos (2022 to 2023), New York Giants (2024 to 2025) and Atlanta Falcons (2025).
Over his four-year career, Garcia has played in 17 regular-season games with three start—totaling 18 combined tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Panthers signed Garcia back on July 25. He posted seven tackles and a sack for Carolina during preseason play.
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (left) talks to other players before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales runs onto the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as the Carolina Panthers flag leads the team onto the field before the gam against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevis Gipson (52) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) celebrates with linebacker Trevin Wallace (32) after a play against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (12) looks to pass during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon (28) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans running back Owen Wright (42) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jackson Kuwatch (46) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (49) reaches for a fumble against Houston Texans running back Deuce Vaughn (31) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (left) celebrates with linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) after recovering a fumble against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Cam Miller (42) runs with the ball after making an interception during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks (81) runs with the ball against Houston Texans linebacker Aiden Fisher (59) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end James Mitchell (85) reaches for the ball against Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Tyus III (34) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans \at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Trask (14) passes the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Davis (37) reacts after a play during the second half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) runs with the ball against Carolina Panthers defensive end Elijah Garcia (96) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (94) with head coach Dave Canales after their game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (left) and 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (left) talks to other players before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales runs onto the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Tetairoa McMillan praises red-hot Panthers OC Brad Idzik
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as the Carolina Panthers flag leads the team onto the field before the gam against the Houston Texans 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevis Gipson (52) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) celebrates with linebacker Trevin Wallace (32) after a play against the Houston Texans during the first half 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (12) looks to pass during the first half against the Houston Texans 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon (28) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans running back Owen Wright (42) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jackson Kuwatch (46) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (49) reaches for a fumble against Houston Texans running back Deuce Vaughn (31) during the first half 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (left) celebrates with linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) after recovering a fumble against the Houston Texans during the first half 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Cam Miller (42) runs with the ball after making an interception during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks (81) runs with the ball against Houston Texans linebacker Aiden Fisher (59) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end James Mitchell (85) reaches for the ball against Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Tyus III (34) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans \at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Trask (14) passes the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Davis (37) reacts after a play during the second half against the Houston Texans 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) runs with the ball against Carolina Panthers defensive end Elijah Garcia (96) during the second half 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' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (94) with head coach Dave Canales after their game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (left) and 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: Standout preseason performer for Panthers signs with Cowboys practice squad
