Week 3 stock-watch from Carolina Panthers’ training camp
By Dean Jones
DOWN: Michael Schofield – OL
Michael Schofield was brought in by the Carolina Panthers late in the free agency period. He was expected to compete for a starting job on the offensive line interior. But the early signs point to a backup role for the player in 2020.
Head coach Matt Rhule stated that Dennis Daley has been taking first-team reps at left guard, with John Miller filling his expected role on the right. While this does not guarantee the second-year pro a starting position next season. It is apparent that he is the clear-cut favorite at this juncture.
This is a disappointing turn of events for Schofield. He did perform well as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019. And his time playing alongside Russell Okung is something else the player had going for him heading into camp.
A lot can happen between now and when the Panthers take the field for their Week 1 clash against the Las Vegas Raiders. But if Schofield does find himself as a rotational player, he will have failed to meet expectations initially.
There is much work for the player to do in order to convince the coaching staff to give him a shot ahead of Daley. Schofield has his work cut out in the coming weeks and it appears there is no room for error in his bid to secure a starting berth in 2020.