6 Panthers players with most to prove after the bye week

Which Carolina Panthers players have the most to prove after the bye week?

There is plenty for the Carolina Panthers to ponder on their bye week, which has been a long time coming. The team had a chance to gain some real momentum with two consecutive victories heading into the break, but a collapse at the Minnesota Vikings undoubtedly leaves more questions than answers.

Little was expected of the Carolina Panthers heading into the season. They made some widespread and significant changes across the board to get themselves back to prominence. But if Week 12 taught head coach Matt Rhule anything, it’s that much more will be needed during another important offseason period in 2021.

Some players will be nervously looking over their shoulders between now and the end of the campaign. Carolina brought in some short-term veterans to plug the gap during a period of transition, but they should have more financial resources available next spring providing the salary cap doesn’t alter a significant amount due to COVID-19 revenue losses.

Here are six Panthers players who have the most to prove when Carolina returns from their Week 13 bye.

Player No. 1

Chris Reed – Carolina Panthers OG

After a promising start to his time as a starter, Chris Reed has regressed considerably in recent weeks. The interior lineman is fast becoming a weak link in Carolina’s protection and if he doesn’t buck up his ideas following the Week 13 bye, then it is surely going to result in his release.

Reed was seen as nothing more than a short term fix, but there was a time during the campaign when it looked like a longer stay with the Panthers might be in the offing. That could still be the case if he raises his level of production, however unlikely that appears at this juncture.