Panthers land return man in Jones

The Carolina Panthers have found their new return man.

The Panthers signed five-year pro Mark Jones to handle their kickoff and punt return duties — at least until Ryne Robinson can return from a sprained knee.

Jones, 27, is expected to join his teammates on the field Tuesday when the Panthers resume practice.

Cut by San Diego last week, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound Jones should have some personal incentive when he faces his former team in Sunday’s regular season opener. He spent the previous three seasons in the NFC South with Tampa Bay. He averaged 28.6 yards on 10 kickoff returns and 11.9 yards on 12 punt returns last season.

For his career, he has a 24.8-yard average on 43 career kickoff returns and an 8.7 average on 43 punt returns. His longest kickoff return is 36 yards and his longest punt return 35 yards.

“He’s a solid returner on both kicks and punts,” said general manager Marty Hurney. “We know him from playing against him in Tampa. He came off an injury last year and had a good preseason for the Chargers. He hasn’t had a lot of time at receiver yet. but he’s been solid on both returns.”

Jones began his pro career in 2004 with the New York Giants, then moved to Tampa Bay the following season.

As expected, the Panthers released receiver Dominique Thompson to make room for Jones on the roster.

The Panthers were left thin at returner after Robinson injured his knee and Ricardo Colclough was cut just hours after being nailed for DWI early Saturday morning. The team also brought in Samie Parker for a look, but wound up cutting him as well.

Carolina toyed with the idea of using Jonathan Stewart on kickoff returns and Chris Gamble on punt returns, but feel like Jones will give them a solid return man in Robinson’s absence.

Although he’s listed as a wide receiver, Jones has never caught a pass in the NFL.