Carolina Panthers Week 12 Injury Report reveals questions at wide receiver
The Carolina Panthers wide receiver lineup may look different on Sunday.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Torrey Smith has been battling a knee injury ever since a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback at Philadelphia. The lone win away from Bank of America Stadium, Carolina is thankful for a return home this week against the Seattle Seahawks and Smith could see his first action after missing the past four games.
Starting opposite Devin Funchess when healthy, the former Michigan product and de facto number one receiver for the Panthers has missed practice all week. Hampered by a back injury, he is in danger of not playing for the first time all season.
Listed as “Doubtful” on the official injury report, if Funchess is sidelined then an expected uptick in the number of snaps for others at the position is expected. Smith returned to practice this week for the first time since his injury, but is the only other player with an injury related game status – “Questionable”.
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If neither is able to play then rookie D.J. Moore, second-year receiver Curtis Samuel, veteran Jarius Wright and speedster Damiere Byrd will all see significant opportunities. Moore and Wright would likely be tabbed as the starters but all four will be needed in the passing game for quarterback Cam Newton and the Panthers offense.
Even if Smith is active, he hasn’t played in four games and despite Funchess being absent, he isn’t likely to play as much as he would if he’d been healthy all along. Down both season opening starters, Newton may also rely more on the run or tight end Greg Olsen.
Leaning on running back Christian McCaffrey, Olsen and his own playmaking abilities, the Panthers possess plenty of offensive talent to compete with Seattle. The performance of those at the wide receiver position however, could provide a glimpse into the future.
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Funchess is in a contract year and his return beyond this season may be in jeopardy. His production could lead to a big pay day but any prolonged absence would be detrimental.