The Carolina Panthers could soon have another option in the return game, with running back Trevor Etienne close to returning from an ankle injury and already participating in practice.
According to those in attendance at practice on Wednesday, Etienne was back returning kicks as Carolina designated the running back to return from injured reserve, opening the team's 21-day window to activate him.
Etienne averaged 23.6 yards on 31 kickoff returns in 2025, giving Carolina a proven option who could reclaim the role once he is cleared to play. His return also creates a potential decision for a team that currently has veteran receiver David Moore listed as its starting kick and punt returner.
Trevor Etienne has Carolina Panthers return game duties in his sights
Etienne's return could create a competition with Moore, who came off the practice squad amid a flurry of unfortunate injuries.
Moore has already handled six kickoff returns this season, gaining 132 yards for an average of 22 yards per attempt. That's a respectable start, and the veteran has given Carolina an experienced option while Etienne was on short-term injured reserve.
Still, Etienne's 23.6-yard average last season gives the Panthers a reason to consider returning him to the job. His previous production suggests he can contribute immediately once he gets back to full speed.
Carolina also has Chuba Hubbard listed as the backup returner on its current depth chart. However, asking him to do this while also being the lead back is pushing it.
The Panthers have alternatives, but Etienne's previous experience makes him a natural candidate to reclaim the position.
Trevor Etienne and David Moore are two different players, so it's a tough choice
Carolina must weigh one consideration: Etienne recorded a fumble on a kickoff return in 2025, along with another on punt returns. His ability to protect the football will matter as much as his yardage, especially if the Panthers trust him with multiple return duties.
The team doesn't need to rush him back just because he is practicing. Moore has already been handling the assignment, and Etienne must prove he is healthy enough to take on the physical demands of an NFL game.
Even so, getting Etienne back on the field gives Carolina another option it did not have earlier this season. That's something, at least.
If he continues progressing and earns activation, the Panthers could have a familiar returner back in the mix against the Philadelphia Eagles or in the weeks ahead.
That makes his practice work worth watching. Etienne has already shown he can handle the job, and Carolina now has a chance to see whether he can take it back.
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