5 Panthers players who need to shine at Colts in preseason Week 1

Cam Erving – Carolina Panthers OT

There appears some doubt as to whether Cam Erving will be fit enough to take part on Sunday. The offensive lineman missed a few days of practice before the Carolina Panthers jetted to Indianapolis, although there were signs he was trending in the right direction on Tuesday during what was nothing more than a glorified walk-through.

Erving was slotted as No. 1 at the left tackle position on the team’s unofficial depth chart. Something that is causing fans a significant amount of concern ahead of the new season.

This is down in no small part to Erving’s lack of ability to protect the blindside efficiently throughout his NFL career so far. He hasn’t lived up to his first-round status and if things don’t start trending in the right direction, the player’s draft bust status will be officially confirmed.

Perhaps Erving is better suited to the interior.

But the Panthers don’t have much in the way of solid options on the left and they seem willing to give the Florida State product a chance before exploring some possible alternatives.

Should Erving be fit enough to take part on Sunday, he has to hit the ground running.

The lineman is sure to be under the microscope more than most. How he performs could have some big ramifications when it’s all said and done.