5 Carolina Panthers players who impressed during Colts scrimmages
By Dean Jones
Rodney Smith – Carolina Panthers RB
When the Carolina Panthers released their unofficial depth chart this week, there was a lot of talk about Reggie Bonnafon occupying the RB2 position behind Christian McCaffrey ahead of fourth-round pick Chuba Hubbard.
However, don’t count out Rodney Smith just yet.
The running back responded well to an initial setback in 2020 when he was released ahead of the final cuts at training camp last year. Smith was brought back soon after and got the chance to make an impression when both McCaffrey and Mike Davis were forced to miss time.
Smith left his mark. Certainly enough to suggest more could be to come with a little more refinement this offseason.
Minnesota’s all-time leading rusher has been something of a forgotten man throughout training camp. But it was hard not to be impressed by what the player demonstrated during the joint practice, according to media members watching from the sidelines.
There should be plenty of chances for Smith to boost his stock in preseason games.
The Panthers shouldn’t give McCaffrey many touches – if any – to keep him fresh and away from injury risk, so Bonnafon, Hubbard, and Smith will shoulder the load with a view to winning this particular position battle.