Ryne Robinson hoping for many happy returns

[Kevin Greene]

Finally, on Oct. 8, more than a month into the regular season, the Panthers gave up on Robinson’s return and placed him on injured reserve.

Robinson underwent arthroscopic surgery to have the knee cleaned out. With several months to rest and rehab he now feels all the way back. His burst of speed has returned as evidenced when he beat his man and hauled in a long pass from rookie quarterback Hunter Cantwell at rookie minicamp earlier this month.

“I didn’t think I would have everything I had at minicamp, but I did,” Robinson said. “Everything is in working order. I feel great.”

As a rookie in 2007, Robinson averaged 8.7 yards per punt return and 23 yards per kickoff return, and while those certainly aren’t numbers that will get you to the Pro Bowl, the team was impressed by how he began to breakout late in the season. In his final two games against Dallas and Tampa Bay, Robinson showed the explosiveness that made him a star at Miami (Ohio) by averaging 15.5 yards per punt return a 33.3 yards per kick return.

The Panthers will likely give undrafted rookie Larry Beavers, second-round pick Sherrod Martin and a handful of others a shot at returning kicks and punts this summer, but Robinson is clearly the leader in the clubhouse when it comes to landing the job.

It helps that he’s a pretty good No. 4 receiver, much more competent than Jones ever was.

This past off-season the Panthers didn’t view re-signing Jones as a top priority, instead letting him sign with Tennessee. That decision left Robinson feeling good about his future in Carolina.

More:

http://www.carolinagrowl.com/Read.aspx?Story=1086

[Kyle82]

Looking forward to see Robinson again!!!

[jasonluckydog]

I hope he comes back strong have a lot invested in him....(rookie cards that is)

[southcakalac]

I hope he comes back strong have a lot invested in him....(rookie cards that is)

I did the same with Drew Carter.

[panthers55]

With Martin, Moore, Beavers and Carter all challenging him for the position, I can't imagine why Robinson would feel good because we got rid of Jones. He is going to be in a fight for a roster spot. It seems we are looking for a good returner and brought in several guys which doesn't make me believe they are putting all their eggs in the Robinson basket.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

With Martin, Moore, Beavers and Carter all challenging him for the position, I can't imagine why Robinson would feel good because we got rid of Jones. He is going to be in a fight for a roster spot. It seems we are looking for a good returner and brought in several guys which doesn't make me believe they are putting all their eggs in the Robinson basket.

Don't forget about Goodson and possibly even Lee.

I hate to see us cut good players, but it's really a good problem to have. With our current special teamers, I think we're going to have a good return game next year.

[Delhommey]

Robinson hoping for a roster spot is how that should read.

[jasonluckydog]

I did the same with Drew Carter.

Ouch...Im glad I never got the Foster and Carter bug something about them I didnt care for so when he was gone no big loss.. I like Robinson, Matt Moore and Stewart I know 1 of them will make it make it big. Robinson reminds me alot of Steve Smith so we will have to wait and see.

[KillerKat]

If Munnerlyn pans out, all Robinson would be returning is kickoffs. IF that.

[megadeth078]

If Munnerlyn pans out, all Robinson would be returning is kickoffs. IF that.

wut?

[KillerKat]

wut?

Captain Munnerlyn

[megadeth078]

If that cornerback pans out, this wide receiver will only return kickoffs?

you lost me somewhere there

[megadeth078]

nevermind, I didn't know Cap was a return man

[KillerKat]

If that cornerback pans out, this wide receiver will only return kickoffs?

you lost me somewhere there

Munnerlyn returns kicks. He did a little bit of kickoff returning, but was mostly a punt returner. That's why I say if Munnerlyn is as good as they say he is, he'll take over on punt returns and possibly kickoff returns as well if he improves on those.