Elder (knee) is on schedule with his recovery and expected back for Offseason Team Activities, Bill Voth of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Elder saw his rookie year end before it started, being placed on season ending injured reserve with a patella stress fracture ahead of Week 1. The fifth-round pick in 2017 faced stiff competition for any significant role on the defense prior to his injury. Now that he'll be back and healthy entering offseason team activities he'll have a chance to earn a roster spot and as much as a backup secondary role on the defense.

Elder (knee) landed on the Panthers' injured reserve Monday, Bill Voth of the Panthers' official website reports.

EDGE Analysis

Elder was never considered a likely candidate to make the 53-man roster. He has been sidelined with a knee injury since the early in camp, so this move was easy to see coming. The 22-year-old will remain on the IR for the rest of the season unless he and the Panthers can reach an injury settlement.

Elder (knee) is expected to miss an extended period of time, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Elder's knee injury seems to be lingering longer than the 22-year-old can afford. Coach Ron Rivera declined to say whether or not Elder would play in any of the team's upcoming preseason games which doesn't bode well for him from a job security standpoint. As it currently stands, Elder projects to function as a depth secondary player, but an extended absence from the field could move him down in the pecking order.

Elder is considered week-to-week after an MRI revealed a stress fracture in his knee.

EDGE Analysis

Elder practiced on the first day of training camp before complaining about soreness in his knee. He has since worked on the side with a brace on. The fifth-round pick is trying to solidify a role with the team, so it would be advantageous for him to return to the field sooner rather than later.

The Panthers selected Elder in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, 152nd overall.

EDGE Analysis

Elder (5-foot-10, 183 pounds) is a small corner with modest athleticism, but he excelled in college and earns admiration for his competitiveness. In a Carolina defense that aims for aggression in the secondary, this is a sensible fit.