New York Giants quarterback Ryan Nassib (12) is hit by Miami Dolphins defensive end Chris McCain (58) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Ryan Nassib (12) is hit by Miami Dolphins defensive end Chris McCain (58) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine) Credit: Ray Stubblebine

Spartanburg, s.c. — Carolina Panthers special teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven has decided to step down from his position and move into an advisory role with the team while continuing his battle with prostate cancer.

The team announced Sunday that Thomas McGaughey has been promoted to special teams coordinator and Chase Blackburn to special teams assistant.

DeHaven will return to Buffalo, N.Y., to receive cancer treatments with the hopes of returning to the team as an adviser in mid-September.

The 67-year-old DeHaven was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015 before his 29th season as an NFL assistant coach. He previously took a leave of absence in May 2015 but returned for Carolina’s NFC championship season.

Coach Ron Rivera said DeHaven approached him about the decision to leave as coordinator after Thursday night’s preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.

“He felt now was an opportunity to transition as far as our special teams were concerned so it would be seamless,” Rivera said. “He did not want to be a distraction. He wanted to go quietly with the intention of coming back in the fall.”

Under DeHaven, Panthers kicker Graham Gano scored a franchise-record 146 points. Gano converted 30 field goals, including two game-winners, and was named NFC special teams player of the month last November.

Returner Ted Ginn Jr. ranked second in the NFC and fifth in the NFL averaging 10.3 yards per punt return.

DeHaven did not attend practice Sunday.

Giants Pair Day-to-Day

East Rutherford, n.j. — New York Giants first-round draft pick Eli Apple has a strained knee and his status is being listed as day-to-day.

Coach Ben McAdoo also said Sunday that wide receiver Victor Cruz is still being bothered by a groin problem and is day to day.

Apple was hurt in Friday night’s preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. The former Ohio State cornerback had an MRI on Saturday. He watched practice on Sunday.

Cruz, who missed all of last season with a calf injury and was limited to six games in 2014 by a knee injury, aggravated his groin in practice last week. He did not play against the Dolphins.

Falcons’ Neal Returns

Flowery Branch, Ga. — Atlanta rookie starting safety Keanu Neal, the NFL’s 17th overall draft pick, was back at practice Sunday after missing last week’s exhibition game with a torso injury.

Neal’s return helps the starting secondary. A shoulder injury will sideline No. 2 safety Kemal Ishmael when Atlanta (1-0 preseason) visits Cleveland (0-1) on Thursday.

Running back Terron Ward probably won’t play because of an ankle injury. He’s on the third-team offense with tight end Levine Toilolo, who returned to practice after missing the win over Washington with a sore hand.

Kicker Matt Bryant was held out with leg tightness. Second-string running back Tevin Coleman didn’t finish practice because of the 101-degree heat index.

Titans Lose Lineman

Nashville, Tenn. — Titans offensive lineman Josue Matias will need surgery to repair a tear of his patella tendon, and coach Mike Mularkey says the guard will be headed to injured reserve.

Mularkey said Sunday that Matias will need six months to recover and already had surgery on the knee. Matias is an undrafted free agent out of Florida State who spent last season on the practice squad.

Mularkey says Matias had been playing well and able to play both guard and tackle.

The coach says the Titans will be monitoring the waiver wire in case they need to add depth on the offensive line.

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