Jason

Carter

The team doesn’t appear interested in signing Carter to the practice squad.

He was an exclusive rights free agent. Carter spent all but one week on the Panthers’ practice squad last season. He’s prospect for kick returns.

Carter, a fleet footed return prospect, will challenge Ryne Robinson for a role bringing back kicks. He’s unlikely to do much as a receiver.

Carter, a restricted free agent, missed last season with a torn ACL suffered in August. He’ll battle Ryne Robinson and Kenneth Moore to make the team.

The Panthers have one of the shallowest receiving corps in the league. It’s not a good sign for Carter’s chances of landing a job elsewhere. Former Lions fifth-rounder Kenny Moore appears to have the inside track on the No. 4 job.

Carter had a strung run in training camp as a punt returner and backup on offense, but injuries like this one can threaten a bit player’s career.

Over Dwayne Jarrett. The Panthers’ starters were Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett, who will likely open the regular season the same way while Smith serves his suspension. Robinson (knee) should be healthy by then and could work in the slot vs. San Diego (Week 1) and Chicago (Week 2).

Jarrett reportedly showed good hands, which was never his weakness anyway, while Carter looked “quick and elusive” and made acrobatic catches. Carolina might have to carry six WRs to keep Carter, who can return kicks.

Carter, turning heads since spring OTAs, stands at No. 6 in the wide receiver pecking order. Injuries to D.J. Hackett and Ryne Robinson could give him the opening he needs to make the team. He’s expected to start opposite Mushin Muhammad Thursday against Philadelphia.

Carter spent most of 2007 on the practice squad, but he’s reportedly been the most impressive player in camp thus far. Still, he’s going to have to beat out last year’s second round pick Dwayne Jarrett and veteran Travis Taylor for a roster spot in 2008.