It’s been a rough start to the week for the Michigan Panthers. They’ve lost Walter Palmore and Levonta Taylor to IR, bringing back CB KiAnte Hardin to fill in as a depth piece defensively due to the injuries.
CB KiAnte Hardin
KiAnte hasn’t played much with the Panthers the past two years. In 2023, he was injured for the majority of the year, playing just four snaps defensively.
The same thing happened in 2024. Hardin spent most of the season on the IR list, playing in just three games. He did play well in coverage across the few snaps he had, allowing just one reception on five targets. KiAnte actually saw some legitimate playing time with the Panthers in their postseason game against the Birmingham Stallions, not allowing a reception in that game while posting a PBU.
Hardin has some pro experience in the CFL, playing with the BC Lions in 2021. That season, he totaled 45 tackles and two interceptions. He knows Collin Bauer’s system well, so it’s no surprise to see GM Steve Kazor bring him back.
P Simon Laryea Released
The Panthers also let Simon Laryea go, who was with the team for a week to fill in for an injured Seth Vernon. Vernon beat Laryea in training camp, but with his knee injury, couldn’t play against DC. Simon filled in nicely, with two punts that traveled for 91 yards, with a long of 51 yards. Simon’s play was good, but his release is due to Vernon’s return – not because he underperformed.
Levonta Taylor & Walter Palmore To IR
The hits just keep on coming for this Panthers defense, as they cannot find ways to stay healthy late in seasons.
Michigan Panthers CB Levonta Taylor is out for the remainder of the #UFL season, per sources.
Taylor's been one of the @USFLPanthers most consistent DB's over the past three seasons. This year he had 6 TKL/4 PBU's – and one of the top PFF grades on the team (79.2). Tough loss. pic.twitter.com/ohoY0Gg3AA
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 6, 2025
Levonta Taylor went down with injury after making a PBU in Sunday’s game vs. DC, which was incredibly unfortunate to see. A knee injury will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the year. Levonta had six tackles and four PBU’s in 2025, primarily utilized as a rotational piece. He’s been a consistent piece in this Michigan secondary for three seasons, and won’t be easy to replace. His 79.2 Defensive Grade via PFF has him as one of Michigan’s top defenders.
DT Walter Palmore is another awful loss at an inopportune time. Palmore is elite up front for this defense, being one of the top run stoppers in the UFL. Walter had 13 tackles and a sack through six games. He’s a staple for Bauer on the defensive line, and will not be easy to replace by any means.
Hopefully, this will be the brunt of the injuries for a Michigan organization that is hitting its stride. They’re fresh off a 38-14 win over the DC Defenders, but if they can’t stay healthy, making a Championship run will slip right through their fingers.
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