Lester has been promoted to the Panthers' active roster.

Lester played 12 games as a rookie last season, but has bounced between Carolina's practice squad and active roster so far this term. However, with a Thursday night matchup against the Saints' potent passing attack, Lester has been promoted once again to add depth to the Panthers' secondary.

Lester was waived by the Panthers on Saturday.

The Panthers had been carrying five safeties, but with Chase Blackburn (knee) doubtful for Sunday's game against Green Bay, they decided to cut bait with Lester and add some depth to the linebacking corps in Adarius Glanton. Lester recorded 21 tackles (16 solo) and three interceptions in 12 games last season but has yet to find the stat sheet in 2014.

Lester was promoted from the Panthers' practice squad on Tuesday.

Lester is a familiar face in the Panthers' defense, as he played in 12 games (four starts) last season, recording 24 total tackles, three interceptions and one fumble recovery. With fellow defensive backs Bene Benwikere (ankle) and Josh Norman (concussion) banged-up, Lester's promotion adds depth to Carolina's secondary in advance of Sunday's game against the Packers' high-powered passing attack.

Lester (ankle) is not participating in Monday's practice session.

Lester left with an ankle injury during Friday's preseason game and remains out for now while nursing the ailment. At the moment, it's unclear how long Lester will be sidelined; however, in a welcomed development, veteran signing Roman Harper has returned from missing the entire preseason thus far due to turf toe. With Harper being the far more experienced option, the Panthers could aim to build his involvement toward a starting birth at strong safety in Week 1.

Lester suffered an ankle injury in Friday's game and is doubtful to return, the Charlotte Observer's Jonathan Jones reports.

He's the Panthers' backup safety (behind Roman Harper), so this injury won't have any immediate fantasy impact.

The Panthers will start UDFA Robert Lester at strong safety in Week 3 against the Giants.

Lester is an undrafted free agent out of Alabama, where he caught a bunch of interceptions but displayed painfully stiff hips and very little speed. Carolina has the NFL's most banged-up secondary. The Panthers will start box safety Mike Mitchell at free, and either Josh Norman (MCL sprain) or in-season free-agent signing Drayton Florence at corner opposite Captain Munnerlyn.

Panthers promoted S Robert Lester from the practice squad.

An undrafted free agent out of Alabama, Lester showed well in pad-less practices, but was less impressive in camp. He'll serve on special teams if he's active for Week 3.

Panthers waived S Robert Lester.

A "name" undrafted free agent, Panthers.com called Lester an option to start in May, but he didn't turn as many heads once the pads came on. Lester has an impressive 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame, but might not have NFL-level quicks.

Panthers undrafted rookie SS Robert Lester has received some first-team reps at spring practices.

ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas says it's "obvious" the Panthers are "very high" on Lester, and he's squarely in the mix to start opposite FS Charles Godfrey. Lester's change-of-direction and straight-line speed were both major concerns at Alabama, but he is big (6-foot-1, 220) and can make plays on the ball.

Panthers.com considers undrafted rookie S Robert Lester an option to start.

Lester has a ton of experience, having started 40 games at strong safety under Nick Saban at Alabama. He also has great size at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, but his cover skills aren't NFL caliber. Carolina didn't address its secondary at all in the draft, so Lester will be competing with fellow special teams type safeties D.J. Campbell and Mike Mitchell for the gig next to Charles Godfrey.