Raheem Blackshear heads roster for Saints game

CHARLOTTE – The Panthers have a full roster of healthy players, so they had to make some decisions tonight.

With wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. active, clearing the way for other receivers to take on return duties, the Panthers deactivated running back Raheem Blackshear for Monday’s game against the Saints.

They can also use Laviska Shenault Jr. to return kickoffs (although all of the Falcons’ kickoffs last week were for touchbacks, so it may not matter as much).

Also inactive are new cornerback Sam Webb (waived from the Raiders’ practice squad this week), outside linebacker DJ Johnson, guard Nash Jensen and tackle David Sharpe.

Tonight they elevated offensive lineman Justin McCray from the practice squad (standard elevation), giving them more depth along the offensive line.

The Panthers lost a pair of starters after the opener, as left guard Brady Christensen and cornerback Jaycee Horn were placed on injured reserve last week. Christensen will be out for the rest of the season, while Horn could return sometime after Week 5.

The Panthers will start CJ Henderson in Horn’s place, while Chandler Zavala is expected to slide to left guard after starting at right guard last week, with Cade Mays moving to right guard.