NFL Debut: Tight End Records First Career Reception in Hall of Fame Game

Malick Meiga, a wide receiver from Montreal, has been placed on waivers by the Carolina Panthers, according to official NFL transaction records. The roster move comes just days after the rookie pass-catcher made his first appearance in a professional uniform during the Hall of Fame Game.

The Roster Move and Immediate Context

The Carolina Panthers announced the decision to waive Meiga as the franchise trims its roster during the opening stages of the NFL preseason. Roster cuts are standard procedure across the league as teams manage player limits ahead of training camp benchmarks. For Meiga, the transaction halts his initial momentum with the club following his participation in the annual preseason opener.

During the Hall of Fame Game, Meiga logged his first official action on a professional football field, recording a single reception. That lone catch represented his earliest competitive statistics at the NFL level after entering the league as an undrafted prospect following his collegiate career.

Background and Collegiate Career

Meiga signed with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent, bringing a notable athletic profile to Carolina’s receiving corps. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 200 pounds, the Montreal native drew scouting interest due to his physical dimensions and special teams potential. Before transitioning to the professional ranks, Meiga played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he primarily contributed on special teams and as a depth option at wide receiver over multiple seasons in the Big Ten Conference.

Growing up in Montreal, Quebec, Meiga developed his football skills in Canadian youth and high school programs before moving to the United States to complete his preparatory school education at The Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, prior to committing to Penn State.

What Lies Ahead for the Receiver

With Meiga now placed on waivers, other NFL franchises have a designated window to claim his current contract. If he clears waivers unclaimed by any of the league’s 32 teams, Meiga will revert to the Panthers’ reserve/injured list if an injury designation applies, or he will become an unrestricted free agent eligible to sign with any club or practice squad.

NFL teams will continue adjusting their 90-man rosters through the remainder of the preseason schedule, with mandatory roster reduction dates approaching as the regular season draws closer. Fans and analysts tracking the Panthers can monitor the team’s official transaction wire for updates on waiver claims and subsequent roster additions.

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Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.

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