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Panthers cut punter Mike Scifres, trim roster to 74

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Panthers released veteran punter Mike Scifres one day after trading for three-time Pro Bowler Andy Lee.

Carolina also released defensive end Rakim Cox, safety Trenton Robinson and wide receiver LaRon Byrd on Tuesday. Cornerback Leonard Johnson was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.

Carolina's roster stands at 74 players.

Following an injury to Scifres, Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said the decision to trade for Lee rather than going with youngster Kasey Redfern this season by saying ''to have a team like this and go into the season with a rookie punter is really rolling the bones.''

Defensive tackle Kawann Short (soreness) missed his third straight day of practice. When asked if Short's absence might be contract related, Gettleman referred the question to the training staff.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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