When the Panthers cut down to 53 players at the end of August, two of the bigger surprises were safety Robert Lester and guard Chris Scott. Six weeks into the season, the two are again in the news.

Lester, who went on the practice squad the day after he was released, has been promoted to the active roster, while Scott was added to the practice squad.

As an undrafted rookie last year, Lester played in 12 games, starting four. He had three interceptions, recovered a fumble, and tallied 21 tackles.

Veteran safeties Roman Harper and Thomas DeCoud have not been great, and backup Charles Godfrey is needed at nickel corner with Bené Benwikere likely out at least another week with a high ankle sprain. Fourth-round pick Tre Boston was active for the first time Sunday against the Bengals, but he played only eight special teams snaps.

Scott started eight games in 2013, but the Panthers released him to keep undrafted rookie Andrew Norwell. Scott could be deep insurance for left guard Amini Silatolu, who suffered a calf strain in Sunday’s first quarter.

To make room for Lester, linebacker D.J. Smith was released from the 53-man roster.