The Panthers made a quick transaction in preparation for their week 7 matchup against the New Jersey Generals this Sunday. After carrying only Two Running Backs for the first Six weeks of the season, the Panthers added a friend of one of their Quarterbacks to their roster late Tuesday night. Toa Taua was signed in hopes of supporting the Running Back joining Reggie Corbin and Stevie Scott, in a corresponding move WR Whop Philyor was released.
Taua comes to the Panthers by way of Nevada after spending Five years at the school. The California native amassed almost 4,000 yards on the ground coupled with 1,190 receiving yards and accounting for 37 touchdowns while with the Wolfpack. Taua, went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, however found himself in mini-camp with the Eagles and Steelers. Taua left Nevada earning All-Conference honors in 2019, 2020, and 2022.
While the Panthers welcome Taua they’ll say goodbye to Whop Philyor who was signed this offseason. Philyor joined the Panthers after spending part of 2021 with the Minnesota Vikings and part of 2022 with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. Philyor would appear in one game for the Panthers in 2022 recording no statistics.
With the addition of Taua the Panthers, finally round out a Running Back room that has totaled 120 carries, 535 yards (4.45 YPC), and 3 touchdowns through the first Six games of the season. While Corbin, and Scott have been an effective duo, with both players involved in the passing game and special teams, one might wonder if fatigue is starting to set in for the duo. For Offensive Coordinator Eric Marty the Panthers Offense get a fresh set of legs to help the team, as Michigan is set to make a playoff push in the final Four weeks of the season.
