# Panthers add Smith-Marsette to practice squad

> Carolina brings back the experienced receiver and returner to bolster their depth.
- Title: Panthers add Smith-Marsette to practice squad · NBC Sports
- Summary: Carolina brings back the experienced receiver and returner to bolster their depth. The Panthers signed Ihmir Smith-Marsette to their practice squad…
- Keywords: carolina panthers, ihmir smith-marsette, practice squad, wide receiver, nfl, arizona cardinals, new york giants, kansas city chiefs, chicago bears, minnesota vikings, special teams, returner
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/panthers-sign-wr-ihmir-smith-marsette-to-practice-squad
- Published: 2026-09-22T19:53:29.766+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: carolina panthers, ihmir smith-marsette, practice squad, wide receiver, nfl, arizona cardinals, new york giants, kansas city chiefs, chicago bears, minnesota vikings, special teams, returner
## Panthers bring back Smith-Marsette
Carolina signed wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette to their practice squad on Tuesday. He previously played for the Panthers in 2023 and was released from Arizona's practice squad earlier this month.
## Experienced returner joins squad
Smith-Marsette is a veteran special teams contributor who served as the Giants' lead returner in 2024. He has career averages of 8.3 yards per punt return and 30.1 yards per kickoff return.
## Touchdown history with Panthers
Smith-Marsette returned a punt for a touchdown during his first stint with Carolina and had a kickoff return score for the Giants. He also played for the Chiefs, Bears and Vikings earlier in his career.
## Recent Giants practice squad stint
Smith-Marsette spent the last two seasons with the Giants but never got off their practice squad last year. He was released from Arizona's practice squad earlier this month before joining Carolina.
## Career receiving stats
Smith-Marsette has 14 career catches for 182 yards across his time in the NFL. His special teams value comes from his return abilities rather than his receiving production.
## Key takeaway

The Panthers signed Ihmir Smith-Marsette to their practice squad, reuniting with a player who previously returned a punt for a touchdown with the team.