Three weeks after he was released, Carolina Panthers receiver Brenton Bersin is back on the active roster.

According to a source, the Panthers on Saturday promoted Bersin from the practice squad, a move that had been expected after Jerricho Cotchery suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2. In a corresponding move, the team released tight end Brandon Williams.

Despite a solid spring and summer, Bersin was a victim of final cuts. 24 hours later, the Panthers put him on their practice squad.

“It’s always a good thing to be called back. I didn’t want to be cut, obviously. But if they need someone to step up, I’ll be ready when called,” Bersin said two days after his release.

The Charlotte native was on the active roster for all 16 games last season, catching 13 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. A year earlier, he spent the season on the practice squad, which makes him the longest-tenured Panthers’ receiver.

“It’s kind of funny that Bersin is somewhat the principal in the media room,” quarterback Cam Newton said this week. “We’ve got whatever going in from a pass pattern, a pass concept or block protections to new signals to whatever – Bersin is the guy. We have to clear with him, saying, ‘Well Bersin, what does this look like’?’ ‘Well, that looks like so-and-so so-and-so.’

“Bers is as steady as they come. He’s a very reliable and dependable guy. He always knows where he’s going to be, he always knows his assignment, and you never have to worry about him missing his responsibilities.”

Williams, who first made the 53-man roster in 2013, saw most of his playing time on special teams. His only stats as a tight end came last year when he caught four passes for 44 yards. The Panthers could pick him back up if he clears waivers.

“We’ve got to figure out where’s the least likely impact going to be,” coach Ron Rivera said Friday when asked about a potential roster move. “If we did do that, would that guy be available next week to bring back?”