The Panthers placed rookie QB Tony Pike on injured reserve and promoted second-year QB Keith Null from the practice squad.

Pike, a sixth-round pick out of Cincinnati in April's draft, played in one game this season, completing 6-of-12 passes for 47 yards. He has not been able to throw because of a sore right shoulder. When starting QB Jimmy Clausen missed a game with a concussion, Brian St. Pierre got the start instead of Pike.

The Panthers signed Null to the practice squad last month after placing Week One starter Matt Moore on I.R. Null started four games for the Rams last season and could be Clausen's backup on Sunday. St. Pierre is listed as questionable.

The way we see it

Null could see the field if Clausen gets hurt or struggles. Head coach John Fox surprised many when he decided not to let Pike start when Clausen was out, so with that in mind, not having Pike's services for the rest of the year is not a huge blow to Carolina.