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Panthers sign Quintin Mikell, place Nakamura on IR

Christian Ponder, Quintin Mikell

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder, right, is hit as he throws by St. Louis Rams free safety Quintin Mikell during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

AP

The Panthers upgraded at safety Monday, again making a needed move with a veteran out of a bit of desperation.

The team announced they signed veteran safety Quintin Mikell, placing Haruki Nakamura on injured reserve with a concussion to create the roster spot.

Mikell spent the last two years with the Rams, but played under Panthers coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott with the Eagles, giving him immediate familiarity.

The Panthers have former Raiders castoff Mike Mitchell opposite Charles Godfrey at the moment, though it’s hard to imagine Mikell won’t replace Mitchell quickly.

The signing is similar to last week’s addition of guard Travelle Wharton, who they tried to bring in earlier for the league minimum, but ended up making more money when injuries revealed a glaring weakness in the roster.