4 pleasant surprises for the Panthers vs. Cardinals in Week 4

Reggie Bonnafon – Carolina Panthers RB

Mike Davis was always going to carry the load in Christian McCaffrey’s absence. But the overall impact made by Reggie Bonnafon is something that shouldn’t be overlooked.

The running back was called up from the practice squad for the second consecutive week by head coach Matt Rhule. This was the final time that Carolina could make such a move before deciding to add Bonnafon onto their 53-man roster permanently and judging by his productivity, there is every chance the Panthers could make this move in the coming days.

Bonnafon was a surprise omission from their original roster when final cuts were made. He average 7.3-yards-per-carry last season, but the emergence of Davis as a force to be reckoned with eventually cost him a spot, at least initially.

Things look far more promising for Bonnafon after his outing on Sunday. He carried the ball ten times for 53 rushing yards and got into the end zone on a short pass from Teddy Bridgewater to give Carolina a commanding cushion in the first half.

The NFL is all about making the most out of opportunities. Bonnafon did this in no uncertain terms that might end up with the player become more involved until McCaffrey is ready to make his return to team activities.