With three games left to go in what’ll be a mad dash (or at least some kind of dash) towards the NFC South title, the Carolina Panthers could certainly use a boost. And maybe they can get one from a three-time Pro Bowler.
On Tuesday, the team designated wide receiver Andre Roberts to return from injured reserve. The decorated return specialist will now have 21 days to be moved back to the active roster.
Roberts was placed on IR following the season opener back on Sept. 13. In his lone game in 2022, the 34-year-old returned two kickoffs for a total of 35 yards and one punt for 10 yards in a 26-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Fellow wideout Shi Smith and running Raheem Blackshear have taken up the bulk of responsibilities in Roberts’ place. Smith currently leads the Panthers in punt returns, as he’s fielded 20 tries for a combined 143 yards, while Blackshear has recorded 15 kickoff returns for a total of 413 yards.
