Panthers Release Foster

The Carolina Panthers released starting running back DeShaun Foster on Thursday, a move that clears salary-cap space and opens the door for DeAngelo Williams to become the team’s featured back. Foster, Carolina’s second-round pick in 2002, never rushed for more than 897 yards in six seasons plagued by fumbles and injuries. “We wish him the best because we’ll always hold him in high regard,” general manager Marty Hurney said. “We just thought it was time to go in another direction.” The move clears about $4.75 million in cap space and comes after the Panthers started shopping Foster in the last couple of weeks.