4 Panthers players who need to step up vs. the Falcons in Week 8

Mike Davis – Carolina Panthers RB

There is plenty of speculation regarding whether Christian McCaffrey will be activated by the Carolina Panthers this week. The All-Pro running back has officially returned to practice and head coach Matt Rhule is hoping he gets the green light to play some part.

Even if McCaffrey does return, it will not be in the role he is usually accustomed to. Blending him in slowly seems like the best way to go and that would leave plenty of touches for Mike Davis to possibly have a bounce-back game on the national stage.

Davis made an instant impression filling in for McCaffrey, but his production has diminished significantly over the last fortnight. The former South Carolina standout has 64 rushing yards from 23 carries over the last two outings, which included just 12 at the Saints.

There is some hope that Davis can return to his form earlier this season. He gained 149 all-purpose yards and a touchdown in his game at the Falcons in Week 5 and something similar is not out of the realms of possibility if McCaffrey is unable to make his eagerly anticipated return to the fold.

It will be interesting to see what the Panthers do with Davis when McCaffrey is at full strength. Going forward with a one-two punch would be the best thing in Carolina’s immediate future and possibly beyond if the backup continues his strong campaign.