CHARLOTTE – Running back Elijah Hood has signed a one-year contract to remain with the Panthers.

Hood, an exclusive rights free agent, spent last season on injured reserve after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament on the opening kickoff of the preseason finale. The Charlotte native was claimed off waivers last May after the Raiders – who selected him in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft – waived him.

"Obviously it's a blessing. I'm excited. I thank God that I'll get the opportunity to keep playing here," said Hood, who added that his rehab is "going great."

The 5-foot-11, 230-pounder appeared in one game as a rookie with the Raiders and spent the rest of the year on their practice squad. A standout at Charlotte Catholic High School and the University of North Carolina before turning pro, Hood could have an opportunity behind Christian McCaffrey with four running backs possibly becoming unrestricted free agents next month (Cameron Artis-Payne, Fozzy Whittaker, Kenjon Barner, Travaris Cadet).