5 players trending down after Week 1 of Panthers training camp

Rodney Smith – Carolina Panthers RB

As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers are trying something a little bit different with Trenton Cannon during the first period of training camp practices. Although normally a running back, the former New York Jet has been involved heavily in the passing game that could suggest he’ll make the team as a dual-threat force if he continues to catch the eye.

It doesn’t appear likely that Cannon will make the roster primarily as a wide receiver. So the Panthers could allocate him a spot behind Christian McCaffrey and Chuba Hubbard on the depth chart to accommodate his presence.

If this comes to fruition, then Rodney Smith might be facing an uphill battle. The undrafted free agent out of Minnesota showed flashes of quality when carries came his way in 2020, but what comes next for the player is far less certain.

Things are hanging on a knife-edge for Smith, who is a prime candidate for the practice squad if he doesn’t do enough to make the 53-man roster initially.

This might be considered a back step for Smith after seeing time on the field in 2020. But he’s still young enough to find his way if things go in this direction at the end of camp and should not be too discouraged.