What’s going on with these 4 invisible Carolina Panthers players?

Jermaine Carter – Carolina Panthers LB

Jermaine Carter has gone from a projected starter at outside linebacker to a relative afterthought. The Carolina Panthers opted to put star rookie Jeremy Chinn in his spot on opening day, which has proven to be the correct decision in no uncertain terms.

This is the latest in a series of disappointments at the pro level for Carter, who is still waiting for a chance to prove his worth over a prolonged period of time. The former fifth-round pick has been on the field for just four percent of Carolina’s defensive snaps this season, recording four tackles and a tackle for loss from 20 snaps.

To say this is something of a surprise would be something of an understatement. Especially considering just how much turmoil the Panthers are currently experiencing at the second level thanks to a distinct lack of production from Tahir Whitehead and Shaq Thompson.

Whether Carter isn’t doing enough during practice to be considered is up for debate. The player does have more experience than most on the roster following an offseason full of defensive departures. But, for whatever reason, the Panthers coaching staff haven’t involved him in the way many predicted before the season began.

Carter may have already passed the point of no return and it will be interesting to see if his snap count alters between now and the campaign’s conclusion.