The Carolina Panthers brought back a familiar face on Wednesday.
As announced this morning, the team has added wideout Sam Pinckney to their practice squad. The rookie receiver, who was signed by Carolina following the 2024 NFL draft, spent the offseason as a member of the Panthers.
A Greenwood, S.C. native, Pinckney split his six-year college career between Georgia State University and nearby Coastal Carolina University. His first four seasons were played for the former in Atlanta—where he amassed 113 receptions for 1,668 yards and 13 touchdowns over 33 games from 2018 to 2021.
Pinckney then moved back to his home state, joining the Chanticleers for what would be a highly-productive two-year tenure. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder recorded 143 catches for 2,023 yards and 11 scores between 2022 and 2023—earning All-Sun Belt Third-team honors in both campaigns.
His return to Charlotte comes after the news of the hamstring injury to veteran wideout Adam Thielen, who was placed on injured reserve yesterday. As a result, the Panthers promoted Pinckney’s fellow rookie Jalen Coker to the 53-man active roster.
