Once fullback Mike Tolbert was released there was always a possibility the Carolina Panthers would not sign a replacement. Fullback has been a diminishing position over the past few seasons as NFL teams continue transitioning to more spread style offensive attacks as opposed to true power running games.
Not to say the Panthers can’t feature their prototypical style power runs without a lead blocker, because tight ends have been used in the past, but Carolina has never entered a season without a true fullback on the roster.
Legendary fullback Brad Hoover anchored the position of lead blocker and short yardage specialist for a decade in the Panthers backfield.