5 Panthers players who might see more game time vs. Saints in Week 2
By Dean Jones
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III – Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers were dealt a blow with the news that Myles Hartsfield will miss a significant period of time – believed to be around eight to 12 weeks – with a wrist problem. This is a real shame for the versatile defensive back, who played very well out of the nickel position against the New York Jets.
With veteran Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye unable to take his place in the lineup until Week 3, it’s a case of next man up for the Panthers against a New Orleans Saints passing attack that relied heavily on play-action and red zone efficiency on Sunday.
Carolina did sign Corn Elder to the practice squad this week, who performed above expectations in 2020 covering from the slot. However, it’s a big risk putting him in right out of the gate and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III might be the better choice in the grand scheme of things.
Thomas-Oliver performed well during the preseason but was only on the field for three defensive snaps in Week 1 as Hartsfield took the majority of reps behind starting duo Donte Jackson and Jaycee Horn.
He is still learning his craft, which is to be expected of a seventh-round pick entering his second NFL season. But this represents a good opportunity for the Panthers to see just how much the Florida International product has brought his game on in recent months.