5 Panthers players we should see more of after the bye
By Dean Jones
Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DE
Hopefully, for Yetur Gross-Matos and the Carolina Panthers, the defensive end can get off the reserve/COVID-19 list in time to make a difference down the stretch. There is plenty to like about his physical attributes and this has shone through on more than a few occasions during his rookie campaign.
It is vital that the former Penn State standout sees more of the field over Carolina’s remaining four games. This will give him valuable experience to take into 2021 and any success that comes his way will be a strong platform from which to build.
Gross-Matos possesses the sort of explosiveness that is the hallmark of every great defensive end at the next level. He has the potential to be the long-term starter opposite stud edge rusher Brian Burns for the foreseeable future and any starting time he can get with Stephen Weatherly on IR will serve him well down the stretch.
A high ankle sprain is something else that held Gross-Matos back earlier this season, but the second-round pick has still managed to attain 1.5 sacks, 16 tackles, one forced fumble, two quarterback hits, and seven pressures from eight games, three starts, and 29 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.
This is hugely encouraging from a player who came into the NFL with some concerns and there might be even more to come with more responsibility on his shoulders.