The Panthers waived Smith-Marsette (ankle) on Wednesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Iowa product sustained an ankle injury during Carolina's preseason finale, but it appears he's past the issue, as the Panthers waived him without an injury designation Wednesday. Smith-Marsette was thought to be one of the Panthers' top kick and punt returners before getting cut. As he heads into his fourth season, he could very well end up on another team's practice squad or active roster.

Smith-Marsette is questionable to return to Saturday's preseason game against the Bills due to an ankle injury, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The wide receiver was examined for a possible lower right leg injury after landing awkwardly following a catch, per David Newton of ESPN.com. Smith-Marsette returned a punt for 21 yards and a kickoff for 46 yards before exiting. The 24-year-old is projected to be Carolina's punt returner in 2024.

Smith-Marsette was being examined by trainers for a possible lower right leg injury during Carolina's preseason game against Buffalo on Saturday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The wide receiver/punt returner landed awkwardly after a catch, per Newton. Smith-Marsette recorded 322 punt return yards and a touchdown for the Panthers in 2023.

The Panthers re-signed Smith-Marsette to a one-year contract Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Marsette wasn't tendered by the Panthers as a restricted free agent last week, but he's coming back to the team at a lower salary than the low tender. Across 17 games last season, Smith-Marsette recorded eight catches for 51 scoreless yards and returned an NFL-high 37 punts for 322 yards and one touchdown.

The Panthers chose to not tender Smith-Marsette on Friday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Marsette could be on the move this offseason after the Panthers decided not to tender him Friday. The 24-year-old wideout primarily served as the Panthers' top punt returner last season, recording 322 return yards (including a 79-yard touchdown). Despite Carolina not tendering the restricted free agent, the team would like to re-sign Smith-Marsette this offseason, according to Person.

Smith-Marsette finished the regular season with eight catches on 10 targets for 51 yards and eight rushes for 74 yards and a touchdown in 17 games. He also returned 37 punts for 322 yards and another score.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Marsette handled punt-return duties throughout the season and saw his offensive role expand after Laviska Shenault (ankle) was injured in November. Although he produced some good moments on gadget plays, it remains to be seen whether Carolina's new front office will look to retain Smith-Marsette as a restricted free agent this offseason.

Smith-Marsette (illness) was a full practice participant Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

An illness kept Smith-Marsette off the practice field Wednesday, but the ailment didn't affect his on-field work whatsoever one day later. He's received at least one touch in four straight games, a stretch in which he's compiled six catches (on seven targets) for 31 yards and eight carries for 74 yards and one touchdown.

Smith-Marsette (illness) didn't practice Wednesday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Both Smith-Marsette and running back Miles Sanders were sidelined Wednesday due to an illness, so something could be going around the locker room in Carolina. Smith-Marsette has taken on a larger role in recent weeks with Jonathan Mingo (foot) on injured reserve, averaging 31.7 scrimmage yards in the last three games. The third-year wideout from Iowa will try to close out his season on a high note Sunday against the Buccaneers, but he'll first have to recover from his illness.

Smith-Marsette caught all three of his targets for 12 yards and rushed once for zero yards in Sunday's 26-0 loss to the Jaguars.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Marsette's reception tally marked a season high, yet unlike the past couple weeks, he failed to contribute any pop from his gadget role. Nonetheless, given his increased involvement over the last handful of games, Smith-Marsette could be utilized similarly in Sunday's season finale versus the Buccaneers.

Smith-Marsette caught his lone target for 18 yards and rushed twice for 33 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 33-30 loss to the Packers.

EDGE Analysis

Smith-Marsette found the end zone for the first time this season, scoring on a 20-yard run in the second quarter. For the second straight week, the 24-year-old wideout did most of his damage on the ground. Despite his versatile skill set, Smith-Marsette's fantasy value is limited in the Carolina's struggling offense. The veteran will look to continue his increased involvement heading into a matchup with Jaguars in Week 17.