CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Panthers have signed Mark Jones to return kickoffs and punts as they await Ryne Robinson's recovery from a knee injury.

Jones was signed on Monday, two days after he was released by San Diego. The Panthers released receiver Dominique Thompson to make room on the 53-player regular-season roster.

Jones spent his four previous NFL seasons with the New York Giants and Tampa Bay. He's returned 117 punts for an average of 8.7 yards and 18 kickoffs for 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. Jones is expected to return kicks Sunday against the Chargers.