Dan Connor returns to the Carolina Panthers

After a short-lived stint with the New York Giants, linebacker Dan Connor has re-signed with his first team, the Carolina Panthers.

Connor, 28, was released by New York last week after the two sides reached an injury settle and made a mutual parting of ways. According to ESPN, Connor is "healthy and able to play."

The Giants placed Connor on injured reserve back on Sept. 12 after the backer sustained a neck injury in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Connor opened the season as the Giants' starting middle linebacker after outplaying Mark Herzlich in the pre-season.

Connor was a third-round draft pick of Carolina's back in 2008, then went on to play four seasons with the Panthers, battling injuries throughout. In 2012, Connor signed on with the Cowboys and played 14 games on a one-year deal. He signed with the Giants in March of 2013.

Connor will back up Pro Bowler Luke Kuechly in Carolina.

Notes

Former Giants practice-squad safety Jawanza Starling has signed with the Houston Texans, according to reports. Starling takes the roster spot of Pro Bowler Ed Reed, who was released by the team on Tuesday.

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