The Carolina Panthers have signed linebacker D.J. Smith and placed fullback Mike Tolbert on Injured Reserve/Designated to Return, the team announced Tuesday.

Smith, 6-0 and 240 pounds, began the season on the Panthers practice squad before being released from the squad on Sept. 3. In his third NFL season, Smith has played in 23 games, starting nine. He has 80 career tackles, two sacks and one interception.

Tolbert was injured in the Panthers Week Three contest vs. Pittsburgh (9/21/14). Last season, Tolbert earned his first career Pro Bowl selection and was named a first-team All-Pro after leading the Panthers with seven total touchdowns.