CHARLOTTE — The Panthers on Tuesday designated safety Juston Burris for return from the reserve/injured list, beginning his 21-day practice window for activation to the 53-man roster.
Burris has missed the last three games after suffering a ribs injury against the Bears in Week 6. A free-agent signee in the offseason, Burris started Carolina's first six games, recording an interception, two passes defensed, and two tackles for loss. Burris had played nearly every defensive snap before suffering the injury.
Undrafted rookie Sam Franklin Jr. has started the last three games in Burris' place, recording a sack, a tackle for loss, and one pass defensed.
Also on Tuesday, the Panthers made a series of practice squad transactions.
Carolina restored running back Reggie Bonnafon to the practice squad from the practice squad/injured list. He's been out since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 4. The Panthers also re-signed defensive tackle Woodrow Hamilton to the practice squad after he was waived from the 53-man roster last week.
As corresponding roster moves, Carolina released kicker Taylor Bertolet and defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk from the practice squad.
Carolina is 25-19 all-time against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, posting a 13-10 record at home and 12-9 on the road.