n a surprising turn of events, the Carolina Panthers' running back competition has thinned as Rashaad Penny has been officially placed on the reserve/retired list. The 28-year-old veteran is stepping away from football after six seasons in the NFL, marking the end of a career marked by both promise and injury.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales addressed the media after practice, explaining that Penny had been struggling to feel like himself on the field. "Rashaad has always been a standout at his best, and we wanted to see if he could reach that level again," Canales shared, according to Pro Football Talk. "But he confided that he wasn't feeling right, and we have to respect that."
As of Tuesday morning, Penny had not made any public statements regarding his retirement on social media.
Reflecting on Penny's decision, Canales empathized with the veteran's struggle. "It's hard to understand what it's like to want your body to perform a certain way and it just doesn't respond. I've known Rashaad for a long time and it was meaningful to be part of this journey with him. I wish him nothing but the best."
Rashaad Penny entered the league as a first-round draft pick, selected 27th overall by the Seattle Seahawks in 2018 out of San Diego State. Despite his potential, injuries plagued his career. Penny's most productive season came in 2021, when he rushed for 749 yards and six touchdowns over 10 games.
Last week, Penny expressed confidence in his abilities despite his setbacks, telling The Charlotte Observer, "I've always believed in myself and know what I'm capable of. When I'm healthy, I believe I'm one of the top running backs in the league. I know my place and what I can do, and I keep striving from there."
Penny spent the previous season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had limited opportunities, rushing just 11 times for 33 yards. Over his six-year career, he accumulated 1,951 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns, and averaged an impressive 5.6 yards per carry. He also contributed 227 receiving yards and one touchdown through the air.
With Penny's departure, the Panthers' running back battle continues with Chuba Hubbard, rookie Jonathon Brooks, Miles Sanders, and Raheem Blackshear vying for the top spot. The team will look to these players to step up and fill the void left by Penny's retirement.
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