Examining impact of each Panthers player on COVID-19 list
By Dean Jones
D.J. Moore – Carolina Panthers WR
There was some doubt as to whether D.J. Moore would be ready to take on the Broncos after suffering an ankle injury during the Week 12 capitulation at the Minnesota Vikings. But losing a primary target in the passing game is only going to make life more difficult for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to hit the ground running after the bye.
Moore is one of the NFL’s best receivers, even though he doesn’t get the sort of limelight others at the position do. His route-running has shown a marked improvement in 2020 and he has managed to overcome some chemistry issues with Bridgewater to almost reach the 1,000-yard milestone for the second straight year.
Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT
Losing Zach Kerr is bad enough, but the Panthers could also potentially be without the services of their No. 7 overall selection Derrick Brown. This would be nothing short of a disaster and completely dampen the momentum that the defensive tackle tandem has generated in recent weeks.
Brown has had some outstanding moments during his rookie year and if he can build on this next time around, then it is going to be a significant shot in the arm for a defense that has shown steady progress throughout the campaign.
Curtis Samuel – Carolina Panthers WR
Another who could miss time is Curtis Samuel, which might have some serious ramifications with the wide receiver in the final few games for the Panthers before his contract expires in 2021.
This probably won’t have any impact on Samuel’s contractual situation next spring. But it might prevent the former Ohio State standout from putting himself in the shop window to maximize his dollars either from Carolina or elsewhere when it’s time to head to the negotiating table.
Samuel is one of Carolina’s most important offensive weapon and not having him for even one game is a problem for Joe Brady and Bridgewater, who has become dependent on the wideout in third-down situations.