Charlotte, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have released starting cornerback Bené Benwikere, according to multiple reports.
Benwikere's release comes five days after the third-year cornerback struggled to cover Atlanta Falcons standout receiver Julio Jones, who finished with 12 receptions for 300 yards and one touchdown.
Jones caught six passes against Benwikere for 185 yards at the Georgia Dome.
Benwikere tallied 78 tackles, 21 passes defenses, two interceptions and one sack in 27 games with the Panthers.
Carolina promoted rookie cornerback Zack Sanchez – selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft – from the team’s practice squad, according to reports.