Last updated: October 24, 2026
The Carolina Panthers signed running back Anthony “Tre” Tyus III from their practice squad to the 53-man roster on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, according to the team. The move came days before Carolina hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. Kickoff is Sunday, October 25, at 1 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
The promotion filled Carolina’s open roster spot before Wednesday’s practice. Tyus has mostly contributed on special teams this season, including kickoff returns.
What the Panthers Announced
The team’s official announcement said Tyus was signed to the active roster from the practice squad on October 21. The same day, the club opened the practice window for linebacker Bam Martin-Scott. He had been on injured reserve since cut weekend.
One day earlier, on October 20, Carolina waived offensive tackle Albert Reese, according to the team’s transaction log. That move left a spot open on the 53-man roster, which Tyus then filled.
Recent roster moves at a glance
| Date (2026) | Move |
|---|---|
| October 6 | Waived RB Tre Tyus |
| October 8 | Signed Tyus to the practice squad |
| October 17 | Activated Tyus from the practice squad for Week 6 |
| October 20 | Waived OT Albert Reese |
| October 21 | Signed Tyus to the active roster; opened practice window for LB Bam Martin-Scott |
Source: Carolina Panthers transactions page.
Why Carolina Promoted Tre Tyus
Tyus has played in three games this season. One came while he was on the active roster, and two came as practice squad call-ups, according to Panthers.com.
Most of his work has come on special teams. He has returned five kickoffs for 127 yards this season. In the team’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles on October 18, he got a hand on a punt. The play was not officially credited as a blocked punt because the ball still crossed the line of scrimmage, the team said.
Under NFL rules, practice squad players can be called up to the game-day roster only a limited number of times per season. A player on the 53-man roster does not count against those limits.
A short stay off the roster earlier this month
Tyus’s path to the active roster included a brief release. Carolina waived him on October 6 to open a spot. He cleared waivers and returned to the practice squad two days later. At the time, Panthers.com said the team needed the spot because running back Trevor Etienne was expected back soon after the bye week.
The team also noted that Tyus led Carolina in rushing during the preseason. He had also handled kickoffs in the two games before his release.
Who Is Anthony “Tre” Tyus III?
Tyus was born on March 20, 2003, in Portage, Michigan. He played at Northwestern from 2021 to 2023. Then he transferred to Ohio University for the 2024 season.
At Ohio, he ran for 1,234 yards and nine touchdowns on 237 carries. His top performances included 202 rushing yards against Syracuse and 151 yards in the Mid-American Conference Championship Game win over Miami (Ohio). He was named second-team All-MAC.
His road to Carolina
- 2025 draft: Went undrafted.
- Detroit Lions: Signed as an undrafted free agent; waived July 17, 2025.
- Seattle Seahawks: Signed August 5, 2025; released from the practice squad August 28.
- Carolina Panthers: Joined the practice squad October 1, 2025, then signed a reserve/future deal on January 12, 2026.
Panthers vs. Buccaneers: Week 7 Preview
Carolina enters Sunday’s game at 3-2 and in first place in the NFC South, according to the Buccaneers’ official game preview. Tampa Bay is 1-5. The game will air on FOX.
The matchup is the first division game of the season for Tampa Bay. The teams have met 51 times, and the Buccaneers’ preview says a Tampa Bay win would even the all-time series at 26-26.
Injury notes
- Carolina: Outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Thomas Incoom are out, and rookie tackle Monroe Freeling was listed as questionable, according to Panthers.com.
- Tampa Bay: Quarterback Baker Mayfield missed three games with a dislocated thumb. Panthers.com reported that he was cleared to play this week.
- Offensive line: Head coach Dave Canales offered no firm update on tackle Ikem Ekwonu’s status this week, telling reporters to “stay tuned,” BVM Sports reported.
For Carolina, quarterback Bryce Young and lead running back Chuba Hubbard headline the offense, according to the Buccaneers’ preview. Fans can find legal ways to watch FOX games in our guide to safe football streaming options.
What Happens Next for Carolina
After hosting Tampa Bay on Sunday, Carolina has a short week. The team visits the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, according to BVM Sports.
The team has not said how it plans to use Tyus against the Buccaneers. Martin-Scott’s return to practice also opens a window for Carolina to decide whether to activate him from injured reserve.
For more NFL background, read our profile of the Odell Beckham Jr. family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Panthers sign on October 21, 2026?
The Panthers signed running back Anthony “Tre” Tyus III from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster on October 21, 2026. The team also opened the practice window for linebacker Bam Martin-Scott that day. Tyus had appeared in three games this season, mostly on special teams.
When do the Panthers play the Buccaneers?
Carolina hosts Tampa Bay on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Week 7 NFC South game airs on FOX. Carolina enters at 3-2, while the Buccaneers are 1-5, according to Tampa Bay’s official preview.
Where did Tre Tyus play college football?
Tyus played at Northwestern from 2021 to 2023, then transferred to Ohio University for 2024. At Ohio, he rushed for 1,234 yards and nine touchdowns and earned second-team All-MAC honors. He went undrafted in 2025 before stops with the Lions and Seahawks.
Why was Tre Tyus waived earlier in October?
Carolina waived Tyus on October 6 to free a roster spot, as the team expected running back Trevor Etienne to return after the bye week, according to Panthers.com. Tyus cleared waivers and rejoined the practice squad on October 8, then was promoted on October 21.
Key Takeaways From Carolina’s Roster Move
The Panthers moved Tyus to the active roster on October 21, ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Buccaneers. He has contributed mainly on kickoff returns and special teams this season.
Any further moves before the Thursday trip to Green Bay will appear on the team’s official transactions page.
Featured image: Photo by Gene Gallin on Unsplash.
