4 Carolina Panthers players skating on thin ice ahead of Week 9

Bravvion Roy – Carolina Panthers DT

Although there doesn’t appear much danger of Bravvion Roy losing his spot on the rotation this season, his long-term future with the Carolina Panthers might be in doubt unless performances improve.

The 2020 sixth-round pick has a close association with head coach Matt Rhule and was on the field for 32 percent of the team’s defensive snaps on Sunday – the second-highest amount Roy has accumulated this season.

However, there just seems to be something missing from a production standpoint. Even though this is being covered up by other dominant figures on the front seven.

Roy is one of the league’s lowest graded defensive tackles according to Pro Football Focus with a dismal 46.5. While this isn’t the gospel, it’s a damning indictment of how the player is progressing in Year 2 of his professional career.

Had Daviyon Nixon not suffered an unfortunate injury, Roy might not be seeing the field that often. The Panthers haven’t introduced seventh-rounder Phil Hoskins as yet, but that time might not be far away if things continue trending in the wrong direction for the Baylor product.

Carolina’s defensive line has a big job on their hands considering how quickly Mac Jones is getting the ball out. Roy should play some part once again, but the Panthers cannot have any passengers in this area of the field.