4 Panthers players that must step up vs. the Buccaneers in Week 16
By Dean Jones
C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB
Another week, another cornerback goes to the season-ending injured/reserve list.
Former Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye is the latest key member of the Carolina Panthers secondary to have his season cut short, which comes after Donte Jackson was also put on the shelf during the team’s bye week.
This is a fantastic chance for C.J. Henderson to show the world why the Panthers acquired him from the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former first-round pick has flashed at times during the season, although he’s been brought on gradually by the coaching staff and is seen more as a long-term fix rather than an instant solution.
That has to change over the final three games. Henderson is projected to start opposite All-Pro Stephon Gilmore against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are set to be without their top-two wideouts in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans,
That being said, the Bucs are getting back Antonio Brown following injury and suspension, which is something Henderson could be tasked with if the Panthers decide Gilmore shouldn’t shadow the controversial veteran.
Getting Henderson’s love for football back was probably the biggest objective for Carolina this season. Sunday will tell us a lot about whether their mission has been successful.