The Carolina Panthers’ competition for punt and kick return duties took a hit last week, after speedster Damiere Byrd sustained a “significant” hamstring injury at training camp. So, they’re on the lookout for more challengers.
As first reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston this afternoon, the Panthers worked out wide receiver Aron Cruickshank on Tuesday.
#Panthers worked out former #Bears wide receiver Aron Cruickshank per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 15, 2023
A Brooklyn, N.Y. native, Cruickshank played his first two years of college ball at the University of Wisconsin. He served primarily as a kick returner for the Badgers between 2018 and 2019, fielding a total of 49 attempts at an average of 24.6 yards per take with a pair of touchdowns.
Cruickshank moved on to Rutgers University for the last three seasons of his eligibility. In addition to taking on their return duties, he’d also see an expanded role on offense—reeling in 99 balls for 868 yards and five scores from 2020 to 2022.
The 5-foot-9, 165-pounder would then be signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in April. He was released this past Friday.
