Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday that Smith will operate as the team's primary punt returner while Andre Roberts (knee) is on injured reserve, Schuyler Callihan of SI.com reprots.
Roberts was diagnosed with a PCL sprain and will be forced to miss at least four games after landing on IR, leaving Smith to take over as the punt returner and Chuba Hubbard to handle kick returns. Smith didn't return any punts as a rookie, but his skill set figures to fit the position well.