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Kick returner and backup receiver Ryne Robinson injured his left knee while going up high to catch a pass during the Panthers' training camp practice Thursday afternoon.
He made a nifty reception while double covered by safety Nate Salley and cornerback Richard Marshall. After landing, Robinson grabbed his knee and was helped off the field.
Trainer Ryan Vermillion tested Robinson's knee for stability on the sidelines and Robinson was able to walk afterward, but did so carefully and eventually sat down under a tent with his leg extended. Receiver Steve Smith visited Robinson in the tent just moments before Robinson was carted off the field.
Further tests were forthcoming, and coach John Fox said after practice he had no news regarding the severity of the injury.
Robinson is considered the leading candidate to return punts and kickoffs this season. After his injury, rookie Jonathan Stewart got his first chance to work with the kickoff return team. He fumbled once but otherwise looked sharp.
Cornerback Ricardo Colclough, a free agent signee from Pittsburgh, also returned kicks Thursday.
The Panthers signed rookie defensive tackle Michael Marquardt, an undrafted free agent from Arizona State, to give them some practice depth at the position because their top four players at the position are out.
Starters Damione Lewis (leg) and Maake Kemoeatu (shoulder) and backups Ian Scott (knee) and Darwin Walker (head) all missed practice. All but Scott are expected back soon.
Scott, who sprained his medical collateral ligament Wednesday, likely will miss the remainder of training camp but is expected back in mid-August.
To make room on the roster for Marquardt, the Panthers released center Pat Ross.
Also sitting out practice were offensive tackle Charles Spencer (knee) and running back LaBrandon Toefield (shoulder).
Tight end Jeff King smiled when asked about his dual role in the offense. He's part blocker and part receiver, with an emphasis on the former.
“If you can't tell, we're going to run the ball more this year,” said King. “Whoever is playing tight end has got to be able to block their tail off.”
King fills an “H-back” role, sometimes lining up at tight end, in the slot or as a blocking fullback.
He and Dante Rosario are being used extensively in a double-tight end set during drills.
Second-year receiver Dwayne Jarrett was praised by Robinson this week. After a disappointing rookie season, Jarrett is trying to fulfill the potential the Panthers saw when they picked him in the second round of the 2007 draft.
“I see a whole new mentality out of him,” Robinson said. “He's approached it from a different way. He's not the same Dwayne as he was last year. It's evident to everybody.
“He's got a different attitude about not being so comfortable with everything. He's coming out and he's actually working at it.”
Notes
For fans who haven't made it to Spartanburg, or can't come, the Panthers will practice in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. in their annual FanFest scrimmage.
Players generally don't look forward to reporting to camp, but they get a fancy welcome-to-Spartanburg dinner each year. The traditional opening night meal in the team dining room includes lobster tails and prime rib.
Observations
During goal-line drills Thursday:
The Panthers threw passes to offensive linemen Geoff Hangartner and Evan Mathis, but neither made the catch and neither play was pretty. … Former Seahawks receiver D.J. Hackett continues to sparkle in the red zone, catching a touchdown pass in the back of the end zone after catching two for scores Tuesday.
Running back DeAngelo Williams continues to show some nifty moves, zig-zagging left, right, then left Thursday to find an opening in the line.
Seventh-round pick Mackenzy Bernadeau, who's been working at guard, began taking snaps at center. He looks athletic and strong and has a chance to make it in the NFL.
