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Panthers: Taylor Heinicke an option for backup quarterback

By Danny Jaillet

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 31: Taylor Heinicke #6 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball against Deon Lacey #44 and Jordan Phillips #97 of the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter in the preseason game on August 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 31: Taylor Heinicke #6 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball against Deon Lacey #44 and Jordan Phillips #97 of the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter in the preseason game on August 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers may have another option at backup quarterback….

Another day, another interesting development for the Carolina Panthers at the backup quarterback position.

Many have probably heard by now that Garrett Gilbert is the favorite to win the backup quarterback position. As of now, that is still the case, but another individual is slowly forcing his way into the conversation.

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Taylor Heinicke also hopes to prove himself to the Carolina Panthers organization and show that he is more than just a number.

The Panthers signed Heinicke with the idea that he could receive some playing time. To date, Heincke has thrown only one pass in the National Football League and that was when he was with Houston in the 2017 season. He completed it for 10 yards. Even still, offensive coordinator Norv Turner says the Carolina Panthers signed Heinicke with a purpose.

"“We signed Taylor as a free agent because he was an extremely productive college player,” Turner told the team’s official website. “Scott (Turner) went to Old Dominion and worked him out and was excited about his arm talent and his physical skills.“He did a good job for us in Minnesota. Things work out different in different places and it didn’t work out for him in Minnesota, but he did contribute in Houston. He’s a guy that can be a productive football player.”"

I personally will give a player a chance to make a name for himself. He could turn out to be really good when given a proper chance.  However, I do not feel too warm and fuzzy about Heincke should Newton and Gilbert get hurt. To be fair, he has not really gotten a fair shake at things in the NFL, and now he may get a chance. Sometimes the guys who have been holding the clipboards can come in and do a fantastic job.

Next: Coaches want Newton to make easier reads

Although I believe Gilbert is the favorite to win the job, Heinicke may be able to accrue playing time this year. By doing so, he will have the opportunity to show the coaching staff what he can do. He has some gametime experience and that can only work in his favor. Now, he will have to put it all together and show the team that he is more than job a body on the roster

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