CHARLOTTE -- Rhys Lloyd is returning to the Carolina Panthers, the team has confirmed.
   After a successful workout on Tuesday, the Panthers re-signed Lloyd to handle kickoffs. In a corresponding move, the Panthers waived/injured kickoff specialist Todd Carter, who had to leave Sunday's game against the New York Giants with back spasms. The Panthers didn't want to risk another setback down the road and Lloyd has shown he's a reliable veteran. 

    Lloyd spent two successful seasons with the Panthers, including leading the league in touchbacks in 2008 with 30. Last season, he placed 41-of-72 kickoffs in the end zone, with 21 touchbacks. The Panthers decided against paying him $1.01 million as a restricted free agent this past offseason and let him walk in free agency. He signed with Minnesota, but didn't make the final roster because the Vikings had to keep extra defensive backs due to injuries.
   Lloyd will make $512,941 over the final 16 weeks of the season.