Banks a hit with Redskins; Devin Thomas released, picked up by Panthers

Garner native Brandon Banks seems to have a solid hold on punt return duties for the Washington Redskins and is getting more chances on kickoff return duties after Devin Thomas was released a few days ago.

Today, the Carolina Panthers picked up Thomas, a receiver out of Michigan State who was the 34th overall selection by the Redskins in 2008.

Banks broke one big return during Sunday's victory over the Packers but it was called back by a penalty. He returned three punts for 47 yards and two kickoffs for 33 yards.

"He's got great quickness and he plays with a lot of confidence," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said today. "When he went in for the last punt return, he said, 'Coach, this game's over.' ... He's got a lot of belief in himself. He can make something happen so hopefully he continues to do what he's been doing."