Tackles who can actually play are a scarce commodity on the waiver wire.
So ones who even might be able to play get the benefit of the doubt.
The Panthers initially told Canadian product David Foucault they were going to cut him and bring him back to the practice squad. And that was enough to thrill the rookie who earned a camp invite after a tryout.
But according to Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, the Panthers grew concerned that Foucault would be claimed off waivers, so they kept him on their 53-man roster.
“I talked with my family and my friends to say the good news — I’m on the team, on the practice squad,” Foucault said. “After like two hours I get this phone call, and I was so excited. I called my parents back, and they started to cry and yell. . . .
“[The Panthers] can make another decision. But right now, they gave me this good news and I’m very happy.”
The 6-foot-8, 305-pound Foucault was a top-five pick in the CFL Draft out of the University of Montreal. He is still extremely raw, and probably wouldn’t be active for some time. The practice squad is likely the best place for him, and he could end up there later if the Panthers claim someone off waivers.
But at the moment, he’s an NFL player.