Carolina Panthers Designate Defensive Lineman to Return From NFI List

The Carolina Panthers have one of their defensive linemen back in the fold following a stint on the Non-Football Injury list, and he's finally offering a little bit of clarity on what cost him the past six games. Defensive lineman Henry Anderon told reporters Wednesday that his unavailability was due to a minor stroke.

Panthers DE Henry Anderson said he had a minor stroke, which is why he has been out several weeks.
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) December 7, 2022

Anderson last played in the Panthers' Week 6 24-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He logged three total tackles in the game while playing in a rotational role along the interior of the defensive line.

Anderson has served primarily as a backup and sub-package defensive lineman over his eight-year career, tallying 11.5 sacks and 182 total tackles. He peaked with the New York Jets in 2018, compiling career highs in sacks (7.0) and tackles for loss (7.0) over three starts and 16 appearances. If healthy, he should provide a big body up front for the Panthers' front seven and help keep the rest of the group fresh.

Anderson initially entered the league as the Indianapolis Colts' 93rd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He started 19 games for the Colts but truly came into his own with the Jets in his fourth year, where he started 24 games and totalled 102 tackles over three seasons. He came to the Panthers earlier this year after a brief and largely forgettable four-game run with the New England Patriots in 2021.