Carolina Panthers sign receiver Brenton Bersin from practice squad

Panthers wide receiver Brenton Bersin didn't have to wait long for a second chance.

With veteran wideout Jerricho Cotchery out for Sunday's game with New Orleans, the Panthers signed Bersin from the practice squad Saturday and waived tight end Brandon Williams.

Bersin, the former Charlotte Latin and Wofford standout, played 15 games for the Panthers last season but was waived during final roster cuts last month. He spent the first two weeks running the opposing team's offense during practices.

But Bersin's practice reps increased this week when Cotchery was sidelined with a high ankle sprain.

"I definitely want to be playing, so I'll be ready if they call me up," Bersin said this week.

Bersin caught 13 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown last year after a season on the practice squad in 2013.

The return of tight end/fullback Richie Brockel from a shoulder injury made Williams expendable.

Williams joined the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2013 after playing small-college basketball when a neck injury ended his football career at Oregon. He caught four passes for 44 yards last season.

But Williams missed most of the preseason this year following groin surgery and was behind Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson and Brockel on the depth chart.

The Panthers could look to bring Williams back on the practice squad next week if he clears waivers.

This story was originally published September 26, 2015 at 1:32 PM with the headline "Carolina Panthers sign receiver Brenton Bersin from practice squad."