CHARLOTTE — The Panthers on Tuesday released cornerback Eli Apple.

A 2016 first-round pick, Apple signed a one-year deal in May. He suffered various injuries through training camp and was placed on the reserve/injured list to start the regular season. He was activated before the Week 4 matchup against the Cardinals but played only six special teams snaps before suffering another hamstring injury.

Apple was active for only the second time this season in Sunday’s loss to New Orleans, his former team. Apple played 28 defensive snaps, recording four total tackles.

Apple was seen at the start of Tuesday’s practice before leaving the field. He was listed on Carolina’s injury report as a non-participant with a hamstring injury.

“He just didn’t feel like he could go, so we sent him inside for treatment,” head coach Matt Rhule said. “Sometimes it’s just