CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers signed Mark Jones today to return kicks while they await Ryne Robinson's recovery from a knee injury.

Jones was released by the Chargers on Saturday. He is expected to be returning kicks against them when the Panthers open their season in San Diego on Sunday. Carolina released receiver Dominique Thompson to make room on its 53-man roster.

Jones spent his four previous NFL seasons with the New York Giants and Tampa Bay. He's returned 117 punts an average of 8.7 yards and 18 kickoffs an average of 24.8 yards.

The Panthers needed help with Robinson out since the first week of training camp with a sprained left knee.