CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Taylor Heinicke's stint as the Panthers starting quarterback was brief.
Carolina placed the former Old Dominion quarterback on injured reserve Wednesday after he sustained a left elbow injury in his first career NFL start, a 24-10 loss Sunday to the Falcons. Coach Ron Rivera said undrafted rookie Kyle Allen will start against New Orleans this weekend with Carolina already eliminated from playoff contention.
Carolina signed Garrett Gilbert, who was with the team in training camp, to be Allen's backup.
The Panthers don't want to activate Cam Newton for the season finale. Newton, who is struggling with a shoulder injury, sat out the Falcons game.