Fozzy Whittaker

The Panthers didn't waste much time filling their need for a healthy running back.

Carolina signed free-agent running back Chris Ogbonnaya Monday night after cutting Tauren Poole, who was signed last week and fumbled in his first and only carry in Sunday's 38-10 loss to Baltimore.

Ogbonnaya, a fifth-year player, was released by the Browns just before the start of this season. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2009 draft out of Texas by the Rams.

Ogbonnaya's most productive season came last year for the Browns. He rushed 49 times for 240 yards for an average of 4.9 yards per carry, and he caught 48 passes for 343 yards and a touchdown.

At 6-foot and 220 pounds, he has seen time at both fullback and tailback. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he was looking for a veteran running back who could help immediately in pass protection while also grasping the playbook quickly.

The RB situation not a pretty picture in Carolina. Darrin Reaves could see a lot of work if Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams can't go. Fozzy Whittaker could be next in line along with Ogbonnaya.