CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The Carolina Panthers claimed linebacker Darren Hambrick off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys Wednesday and waived linebacker Michael Hawkes.
Hambrick, a four-year veteran of the NFL who played at the University of South Carolina, was waived by the Cowboys Tuesday. He was the team's leading tackler last season with 154, and he was fourth on the squad with 22 tackles through Dallas' first five games this year.
The Panthers made the move in response to a dearth of injury-free bodies at linebacker. Starter Hannibal Navies broke his forearm and was placed on injured reserve Tuesday and first-round pick Dan Morgan has been sidelined since the third week of the season with a broken tibia.
Hawkes, who was signed off of the Panthers' practice squad on Oct. 11, played in two games this season. He registered a tackle and recovered a fumble on special teams.
