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Goings gone: Panthers release RB, two others

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Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - The Carolina Panthers announced on Wednesday that they have released a trio of players, including running back Nick Goings, offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges and wide receiver D.J. Hackett.

Goings was the longest tenured Panther out of the group. He joined the club as an undrafted free agent in 2001 and posted 1,470 rushing yards and six touchdowns over his eight-year career with Carolina spanning 101 games and 400 carries. He did not appear in a game in 2007.

The 31-year-old Pittsburgh product, who also caught 110 passes for 880 yards and three scores with the Panthers, had his best season in 2004 after Stephen Davis, DeShaun Foster and Rod Smart all landed on injured reserve. Goings posted a career-best 821 yards that season on 217 carries and scored all six of his career rushing touchdowns.

"Nick has been a valuable member of our team since I have been in Carolina," said head coach John Fox. "As a starter or in a reserve role, his versatility and contributions on special teams, along with his unselfish attitude, were important to our team and locker room."

Goings departs the Panthers ranking fifth on the club's all-time list in special teams tackles with 53.

Bridges spent the last three seasons of his career with Carolina and saw his playing time reduced last year. He started 14 games in 2006 at right tackle, then made 10 starts the following season at right guard. Bridges made four starts last season at right tackle while playing primarily as a reserve.

Hackett, meanwhile, joined the Panthers last offseason after spending the first three seasons of his career with Seattle. In nine games with Carolina, the 27-year-old made 13 catches for 181 yards.

In 42 career contests, Hackett has made 118 receptions for 1,575 yards and nine scores.

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