Panthers activate safety Juston Burris from reserve list

[Sir Purr]

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 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.