4 Panthers under threat by Eli Apple and Keith Kirkwood’s return

Pharoh Copper – Carolina Panthers WR/KR

Pharoh Cooper‘s ability as a kick returner has been a real asset to the Carolina Panthers during the early stages of the campaign. This is an area he has specialized in throughout his career, but the player was hoping for a little bit in the way of involvement on offense in the passing game.

This playing time might reduce even further when Keith Kirkwood is able to take his place on the rotation. The wideout has plenty of likable traits and chemistry with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater should be on point from their time together with the New Orleans Saints.

Cooper’s place on the roster is all-but-guaranteed thanks to his outstanding work getting the Panthers some quality field position through three weeks. But he has been on the field for just nine percent of Carolina’s offensive snaps and hasn’t had one ball thrown his way so far.

Kirkwood’s return could push him further down the pecking order, although expecting miracles from a player that missed so much of camp would be unrealistic.

All Cooper can do is keep showcasing his skills during practice and when he gets the chance to bring the ball back on special teams and hope some targets will come his way as a result.