CHARLOTTE – The Panthers on Saturday activated safety Juston Burris off the reserve list and promoted running back Rodney Smith from the practice squad.
Burris, who missed the last three games after suffering a ribs injury against the Bears, started Carolina's first six games, recording an interception, two passes defensed, and two tackles for loss. Undrafted rookie Sam Franklin Jr. has started in Burris' place.
Smith, who originally signed with the Panthers as an undrafted rookie out of Minnesota this spring, is the Gophers' all-time leader in all-purpose yards. His first activation onto the active roster comes with Christian McCaffrey set to miss Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with a shoulder injury. Mike Davis will start for McCaffrey, with wide receiver Curtis Samuel and running back Trenton Cannon also candidates for carries.
Also on Saturday, the Panthers re-signed kicker Taylor Bertolet to the practice squad.
Juston Burris returned to the active roster in Week 10 after being sidelined with a ribs injury.
Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, September 27, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (Jeff Lewis)
Defensive Back Juston Burris (31) intercpets Matt Ryan during the Panthers vs Falcons on October 11th, 2020 (Photo by. Brandon Todd via Carolina Panthers)
Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, September 27, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (Jeff Lewis)
