Adding a new guy to the roster isn’t usually a plug-and-play situation. Especially at receiver.

Because he had less than two weeks to learn the playbook, it wasn’t surprising Kevin Norwood was inactive for the Panthers’ season opener. Now that he’s had another week to study, Norwood has a better chance to get a jersey against the Texans.

“I’m getting the offense down quick, quicker than I really expected myself to. I thought it was going to take weeks; it was that much different,” Norwood said Thursday.

Before the Panthers traded for him on Aug. 31, Norwood spent his first year-plus in Seattle. Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell’s roots are in the West Coast offense, which is apples compared to the oranges of the Panthers’ more conservative system.

“[I was] in an offense that runs a lot of concepts. Coming here it’s more of a numbers system,” Norwood said. “It was just different for a minute, so I had to memorize the route tree.”

While Norwood wasn’t ready to run in a regular-season game last week, the Panthers did toss him into the preseason finale just three days after coming to Carolina. He caught both of his targets in 31 snaps against the Steelers even though, “I was out there like a chicken with my head cut off.”

Since then, Norwood has continued to cram with the help of a wideout he may have knocked off the roster. Brenton Bersin, who told BBR he “kind of got the hint” he was on the outs when the Panthers made the trade, usually sits next to Norwood in the film room. So the guy who was released has been the biggest help for the guy who took his spot. It’s a funny business, the NFL.

There’s no question the Panthers need help at receiver, especially one with sure hands. What’s unclear is how much Norwood can contribute. His chance may come as soon as Sunday.

“I think he’s in a real good spot. He knows enough that he could help,” coach Ron Rivera said.

And what does Norwood think his chances are of being active in Week 2?

“I hope higher than last week,” he said with a laugh.

“It’s just a matter of time. It’s up to the coaches, but I can’t wait till they tell me it’s time to go.”