RAHEEM BLACKSHEAR NEWS

Re-signs with Carolina Blackshear is signing a one-year contract with the Panthers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Impact The 2022 UDFA played 41 games for Carolina the past three seasons, taking 68 touches for 341 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns, 66 kickoff returns for 1,734 yards and 23 punt returns for 200 yards. Blackshear returned both kicks and punts in 2024, but he didn't get a restricted-free-agent tender earlier this offseason and now returns to the Panthers on a cheaper contract. He'll likely be third or fourth on the depth chart at running back, behind Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle at the very least.

APRIL 1 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers agree to terms with Raheem Blackshear The veteran running back and returner adds depth to the offense, after agreeing to a new deal on Tuesday.

APRIL 1 • PANTHERS.COM

Panthers insider predicted more of the same for players like Raheem Blackshear With the NFL Combine winding down the Carolina Panthers enter the next phase of their offseason. Before the market opens with the new league...

MARCH 3 • SI.COM

Won't be tendered The Panthers aren't planning to tender Blackshear, which will make him an unrestricted free agent, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Blackshear entered the offseason as a restricted free agent, so the Panthers could ensure they keep him by tendering him and matching any offer from another club. However, Carolina doesn't appear to be taking that direction, which will instead allow Blackshear to enter unrestricted free agency. The 26-year-old saw limited work on offense in 2024 (his third NFL campaign), compiling 15 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown over 16 contests without getting any looks in the passing game. However, he served as Carolina's top kickoff and punt returner, so the Panthers will need to find a replacement for those roles if they do indeed elect to part ways with Blackshear.

MARCH 2 • ROTOWIRE

Efficient in regular-season finale Blackshear rushed four times for 47 yards in Sunday's 44-38 overtime win over the Falcons.

Impact The Virginia Tech product returned to his reserve role, playing behind Miles Sanders, who delivered a monster performance in Sunday's overtime win with 20 touches for 116 yards and a touchdown. Blackshear was extremely effective with his limited opportunities, rushing for 47 yards on just four carries (11.8 yards per carry), including a 27-yard run in the second quarter that helped set up a Panthers touchdown. The 26-year-old appeared in 16 games for Carolina this season, totaling 80 rushing yards on just 15 carries. He also added 791 kick return yards and 145 punt return yards, serving as the Panthers' primary return specialist throughout the year.

JANUARY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Back to reserve role Sunday Blackshear is expected to cede the start at running back to Miles Sanders (ankle) on Sunday in Atlanta, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Blackshear got the first chance to lead the backfield in the wake of Chuba Hubbard (knee) landing on IR prior to Week 17, but despite handling a 77 percent snap share last Sunday at Tampa Bay, the former had eight carries for 20 yards and wasn't targeted. Now with Sanders off injured reserve, he's in line to swap in for Blackshear, which isn't much of a surprise considering his vast experience as a No. 1 back. Blackshear thus will be vying with Mike Boone for complementary reps behind Sanders on Sunday.

JANUARY 5 • ROTOWIRE

Unremarkable as lead back Blackshear rushed eight times for 20 yards and recovered a fumble in the Panthers' 48-14 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Impact Blackshear got first crack at filling the lead-back role in the wake of Chuba Hubbard's (calf/knee) placement on injured reserve, but the third-year pro unsurprisingly found tough sledding against the Buccaneers' typically dominant run defense. Blackshear wasn't targeted in the contest despite being a proven pass catcher out of the backfield since college, but he could have a chance at a more favorable game script overall in the Week 18 finale against the Falcons.

DECEMBER 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Primed for Week 17 start Blackshear will start at running back in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact With Chuba Hubbard (knee/calf) joining Jonathan Brooks (knee) and Miles Sanders (ankle) on injured reserve earlier in the week, Blackshear will be the next man up in the Carolina backfield, though he won't necessarily be tasked with handling Hubbard's three-down workhorse role. Since entering the NFL in 2022, Blackshear has seen the bulk of his action on special teams, where he's shined as a return man. However, the 5-foot-9, 190-pound Blackshear was an accomplished receiver in college, producing a 123-1,213-7 receiving line over five seasons between Rutgers and Virginia Tech. Blackshear should thus have some extra appeal as a lineup option or DFS play in PPR formats with the likelihood that Carolina keeps him involved in the passing game, though the Panthers may not ask the diminutive running back to take on heavy volume on the ground. Mike Boone and Velus Jones are also on hand as options out of the backfield and could carve out roles in the Week 17 game plan.

DECEMBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

On track for added work With Chuba Hubbard (calf/knee) slated to be placed on IR, Blackshear is in line to see added work during the Panthers' final two regular season games, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports...

Impact Aside from Hubbard, Blackshear is currently the only other running back on the Panthers' 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, but Mike Boone and Emani Bailey are on the team's practice squad, with Schefter noting Saturday that Blackshear and Boone (pending his elevation) are likely to share backfield work in Week 17.

DECEMBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Gets three carries Sunday Blackshear took three carries for 13 yards in Sunday's 36-30 overtime win over the Cardinals.

Impact The 26-year-old entered Sunday's contest without a rushing attempt this season, but with Miles Sanders (ankle) and Jonathon Brooks (knee) both sidelined, Blackshear stepped in and served as Carolina's No. 2 running back, playing behind Chuba Hubbard. Blackshear made the most of his three carries, averaging 4.33 yards per attempt. His performance in Week 16 likely solidified his role as the Panthers' top backup running back spot for the remainder of the season. He will next take the field in the Week 17 matchup against the Buccaneers.

DECEMBER 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Full go for Wednesday Blackshear (chest) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Impact Blackshear missed Carolina's Week 15 loss to the Cowboys after sustaining a chest injury the game prior; however, Wednesday's full practice session suggests he's already moved past the issue. The Virginia Tech product will likely have a larger offensive role for the remainder of the season, serving as the Panthers' No. 2 running back with Jonathon Brooks (knee) and Miles Sanders (ankle) both on injured reserve.

DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Full go for Wednesday Blackshear (chest) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Impact Blackshear missed Carolina's Week 15 loss to the Cowboys after sustaining a chest injury the game prior; however, Wednesday's full practice session suggests he's already moved past the issue. The Virginia Tech product will likely have a larger offensive role for the remainder of the season, serving as the Panthers' No. 2 running back with Jonathon Brooks (knee) and Miles Sanders (ankle) both on injured reserve.

DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Downgraded to out Blackshear (chest) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Impact The absence of Blackshear considerably limits the backfield options for the Panthers, as Jonathon Brooks (knee) and Miles Sanders (ankle) are also on injured reserve. Mike Boone, who was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, is expected to serve as the backup to Chuba Hubbard, although Velus Jones could also compete for touches.

DECEMBER 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Limited again Friday Blackshear (chest) remained limited in Friday's practice, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact With Jonathon Brooks (knee) and Miles Sanders (ankle) both on injured reserve, Blackshear is suddenly Carolina's RB2 behind Chuba Hubbard. Behind him on the depth chart is WR-turned-RB Velus Jones, so Blackshear's availability is important. Back-to-back limited practices after a Wednesday DNP would suggest Blackshear has a decent chance to play Sunday against Dallas.

DECEMBER 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Upgrades to limited practice Blackshear (chest) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Impact Blackshear was unable to practice in any capacity Wednesday, so it's encouraging to see his activity level increase. With Jonathon Brooks (knee - ACL) done for the year, Blackshear could see increased depth opportunities behind starter Chuba Hubbard if he's able to suit up for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

DECEMBER 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Misses Wednesday's practice Blackshear (chest) didn't practice Wednesday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Blackshear's absence from Wednesday's practice comes as no surprise, as the Virginia Tech product sustained a serious-looking chest injury in the Panthers' Week 14 loss to the Eagles. While he's since been released from the hospital and doesn't appear to be sidelined for a long period of time, he'll likely need to upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday in order to play in Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

DECEMBER 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Avoids significant injury Blackshear (chest) is considered day-to-day after suffering a blunt-force contusion during Sunday's loss to the Eagles, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact Blackshear's injury felt significant enough that he went to the hospital after suffering it, but he was ultimately released and it doesn't appear he'll be out long-term. According to Steve Reed of the Associated Press, Mike Boone will step into the No. 2 running back role while Blackshear is evaluated.

DECEMBER 9, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Raheem Blackshear taken to hospital for tests, will return with team Team is awaiting further word on tests on Jonathon Brooks, after he suffered a right knee injury during the loss to the Eagles.

DECEMBER 8, 2024 • PANTHERS.COM

Undergoes further tests at hospital Head coach Dave Canales relayed after Sunday's 22-16 loss to the Eagles that Blackshear was taken to a local Philadelphia hospital due to a chest injury, David Newton of ESPN.com r...

Impact Blackshear suffered a chest injury in the first half of Sunday's game and was ruled out after being taken to the locker room. He underwent additional testing at the hospital, but the good news for him is that he has been discharged and will travel with the team back to Carolina, per Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official site. Rookie running back Jonathon Brooks was carted off the field due to knee injury, so if Blackshear is able to suit up against the Cowboys in Week 15, he would operate as the Panthers' No. 2 running back behind Chuba Hubbard. If both Brooks and Blackshear were to miss time, the Panthers could look to sign or elevate Mike Boone or Emani Bailey from the practice squad to the active roster.

DECEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Won't return to Week 14 matchup Blackshear (chest) has been ruled out from returning to Sunday's contest versus Philadelphia, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact Blackshear was hurt in the first half and won't be able to return. In his absence, Deven Thompkins has stepped in to work as Carolina's primary kick and punt returner. Blackshear doesn't typically play much on offense, but his injury could lead to Chuba Hubbard having to handle nearly all of the Panthers' backfield work, as No. 2 RB Jonathan Brooks also exited early Sunday due to a knee injury.

DECEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with chest injury Blackshear is questionable to return to Sunday's Week 14 game against Philadelphia due to a chest issue, Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Blackshear's activity prior to getting hurt included a 26-yard kick return and a one-yard punt return. After his exit, Deven Thompkins came in to field the next Eagles punt. Blackshear typically plays almost exclusively on special teams, as he doesn't have a touch over 11 offensive snaps this season.

DECEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Raheem Blackshear heads home to Philadelphia with his Pro Bowl stock never higher The Carolina Panthers’ kick returner has an outside shot at the Pro Bowl this season. No better way to cement that candidacy than where he g...

DECEMBER 8, 2024 • THESTATE.COM

Logs full practice Thursday Blackshear (shoulder) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session.

Impact Despite suffering a dislocated shoulder during the Panthers' Week 7 loss to the Commanders, Blackshear has been able to log consecutive full practices to start the week. He's listed as day-to-day with the injury, but it appears that he should be good to go for Sunday's game against the Broncos. Through the first seven games of the regular season, Blackshear has logged 589 kick-return yards and 94 punt-return yards.

OCTOBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Considered day-to-day Blackshear suffered a dislocated shoulder in Sunday's loss to the Commanders, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Impact Blackshear suffered the injury on a second-half kickoff and was unable to return to the game. Based on the day-to-day timeline given, the Virginia Tech product may have a chance to suit up Week 8 against the Broncos. More clarity on his chances to do so will likely come later in the week when the Panthers release their first injury report.

OCTOBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely to return vs. Washington Blackshear left Sunday's game against the Commanders due to a shoulder injury and is doubtful to return, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Blackshear was injured during a kickoff in the second half of Sunday's game. Assuming he's done for the day, he'll finish with 114 kick-return yards and a solo tackle.

OCTOBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE