CHARLOTTE, N. C. — After vocal receiver Steve Smith was released this spring, Jason Avant, considered more professional, as it were, moved into his locker.

On Tuesday, Avant’s locker was not cleared out, but he was. The veteran wideout was released two days after he questioned the Panthers’ play-calling near the end of their 19-17 loss to the Falcons.

“Guys, I have no idea what he said,” head coach Ron Rivera claimed, shortly after announcing the move. “This had nothing to do with it. And that needs to stop right here.”

What Avant said to the Charlotte Observer was this:

“I’ve been in the league a long time. I know two things. You never want to give a team a chance to win a game, with how much time was left on the clock. And asking a kicker to make a 50-yard field goal with the game on the line is rough sledding.

“If that’s the only option, yes. But if it’s not, you want to get as close as you can and think score and play to score a touchdown. Because I’d rather the team have to score a touchdown to win the game than to have to kick a field goal. It’s just a lot different. It’s a 30-yard difference.”

Avant might have had a point, and the timing makes the Panthers look potentially petty, but the truth is Avant could not run anymore. He could not create separation. The Panthers desperately needed someone to stretch the field, and they believe undrafted receiver Philly Brown, who scored a 47-yard touchdown Sunday, is ready to fill that role.

“This had everything to do with what we see in Philly and the potential in him,” Rivera said. “When you have veteran guys who play a lot in front of younger guys that have potential, sometimes you stunt their growth. This is something we felt we needed to do to give Philly an opportunity to be on the field more.”

–When the Panthers shifted De’Andre Presley from cornerback to receiver this spring, they had real hope he could earn a roster spot in the slot and as a return man. But he developed a stress fracture in his leg, and surgery forced him to start the season on the physically unable to perform list.

He was activated off PUP in Week 7 and eventually landed on the practice squad. He was then promoted to the active roster on Tuesday and the Panthers hope he and Philly Brown can provide a much-needed spark to an offense that has severely lacked speed.

“(Presley) and Philly have the same type of skill set,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “They’re quick, fast guys. Great hands, great concentration, and I’d like to see if we can create an opportunity for De’Andre to go out there and return punts as well.”