Report: Panthers to place WR/KR Byrd on IR

The Carolina Panthers are expected to place Damiere Byrd on injured reserve after the wide receiver/kick returner sustained a broken arm in the team's last game, according to a published report Tuesday.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the expected move, citing sources, after Byrd was injured in Sunday's 30-27 setback to the Seattle Seahawks.

Carolina is equipped to overcome the loss of Byrd on offense with the emergence of rookie D.J. Moore, second-year player Curtis Samuel along with Devin Funchess and veterans Torrey Smith and Jarius Wright. Running back Christian McCaffrey leads the team in catches (71), receiving yards (608) and receiving touchdowns (five).

Byrd, who has just one reception for eight yards this season, has played a significantly larger role on special teams. The 25-year-old has averaged 9.4 yards on 11 punt returns this season.

Listed at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Byrd has recorded 12 receptions for 121 yards and two receiving touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Panthers. He saw his 2017 campaign come to a halt in December after sustaining a leg injury.

Byrd scored on a franchise-best 103-yard kickoff return in a 22-19 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 24. He was then injured and carted to the locker room just after halftime.