CHARLOTTE, N.C.-As teams from throughout the NFL pared their rosters to 53 players this week, former Manti High School, Snow College and Utah State star wide receiver, Derek Wright, made the roster for the Carolina Panthers.

The 6’1″ 195-pound Wright made the Panthers’ roster last season but amassed no stats in any games last season for Carolina.

Panthers head coach Frank Reich confirmed the squad has had trouble with receivers remaining healthy during the preseason and training camp and Wright, who had 3 receptions for 35 yards in Carolina’s 27-0 loss to the New York Jets August 12, did enough to impress Reich despite suffering a knee sprain.

Reich has seen enough in Wright to keep him over Shi Smith, who played for Carolina in the 2001 and 2002 seasons, posting 28 receptions for 400 yards and two scores before being released this week.

Wright and his Panthers teammates begin the regular season by visiting their NFC South rivals, the Atlanta Falcons September 10.