The First round of cuts has begun to take place in the NFL, as NFL rosters have been ordered to shrink down from 90 to 85. So far as of 5pm on Tuesday August 16th, 14 Former USFL players have been cut from NFL teams leaving 37 former USFL players still fighting for their NFL futures.

The Michigan Panthers, who have sent 7 players to the NFL have now had 3 players recently cut by NFL teams, however only 2 remain unemployed.

Tino Ellis and Lance Lenoir are two heartbreaking cases for the Panthers fans supporting their alumni to the NFL. Both were tagged with injury designations and will have to clear waivers and could end up with settlements. Lenoir played in one pre-season game catching one pass for five yards. Ellis played in one pre-season game as well, however, he did not record any stats.

One glimmer of hope for Panthers faithful is TJ Carter. Despite getting cut by the Saints on August 15th, he was claimed by the LA Rams on August 16th. Carter played in one pre-season game for the Saints, totaling two tackles.

Currently there are Five Panthers on NFL rosters. Jameson Houston (Cardinals), Stevie Scott (Broncos), DeAndre Torrey (Eagles), Ishmael Hyman (Packers), and TJ Carter (Rams). Despite the USFL coming to prominence with 51 players getting signed, it was only a matter time before USFL fans came back to earth regarding the actual staying power of these players.

Regardless, the USFL did allow for many of these players to obtain an opportunity that they wouldn’t have received elsewhere and if they want to continue playing football a lot of these players still have a chance to in the USFL and XFL.

Stay with USFL News Hub all off season.