4 backups Panthers should start over final 2 games of 2020
By Dean Jones
Rodney Smith – Carolina Panthers RB
There is absolutely no point in Christian McCaffrey seeing the field again this season.
None.
The All-Pro running back has featured in just three games due to various injury problems and the Carolina Panthers would be wise to keep McCaffrey out of the firing line and preserve his long-term chances of returning in a positive manner in 2021.
Carolina has already seen plenty of what Mike Davis can do. The veteran has done well in McCaffrey’s absence this season but is out of contract after the campaign and it remains to be seen whether the Panthers lose him to a better offer from elsewhere.
Taking this into consideration, Rodney Smith needs more in the way of touches over the final two games. The undrafted free-agent made an eye-catching contribution at the Packers in Week 15 on his way to 47 all-purpose yards from seven touches. So getting him more involved wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world at this juncture.
The Panthers need a primary backup option who can come in and immediately contribute if McCaffrey suffers any further complications in the coming years. Judging by his recent performances, Smith fits the bill perfectly but Carolina needs to feed him the ball more in order to tell for sure.