The injury bug has struck the Michigan Panthers as of late – especially in their secondary. They’ve brought on DB Michael Tutsie to the roster, to replace Bryce Torneden who has been placed on IR.
Michael Tutsie is an excellent pickup by GM Steve Kazor on short notice. He played all of his college ball at North Dakota State – racking up an outstanding 338 tackles, 10.5 TFL’s, 11 interceptions, and 22 PBU’s during his time at the school.
2019 was a breakout year for Tutsie, where he posted a ridiculous 105 tackles in 16 starts. Across the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Michael earned All-MVFC First Team honors. In 2022, he was a part of a defense that allowed just 172.4 passing yards per game – seventh in the FCS.
This led to an NFL opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts. Michael signed as an UDFA in 2023 – but was injured, and spent some time on IR. He was later cut, and then brought back in 2024. Michael remained on Indianapolis’ practice squad through the final weeks of the NFL season.
As an Indianapolis native himself, it was a unique opportunity for Tutsie. Unfortunately, he did not re-sign, remaining a free agent the last several months. Now, he takes his talents to the UFL’s Michigan Panthers as they head towards the UFL Championship.
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Bryce Torneden To IR
Sadly, the Panthers have lost Bryce Torneden for the rest of the season. Bryce has been a key piece to this secondary the last two years, especially lately with all of the injuries piling up.
Torneden is no stranger to spring football. He played under Jarren Horton with the…