NFL: Panthers signs Gilbert to replace injured Heinicke

One week after shutting down starting quarterback Cam Newton, the Carolina Panthers placed his backup on injured reserve. Taylor Heinicke is done for the season with an elbow injury and hit the reserve/injured list officially on Wednesday. The Panthers signed Garrett Gilbert to take his roster spot.

That means Kyle Allen is expected to start the regular-season finale Sunday for Carolina. Allen replaced Heinicke in last week's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Heinicke was injured bracing himself on a sack-fumble by defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.

Gilbert was with the Panthers during training camp and was released during final roster cuts prior to Week 1. Newton was erratic in a Week 15 loss to the New Orleans Saints and had been limited by a right shoulder injury for two weeks.