4 Panthers who must take advantage of more playing time in Week 17

(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Darnold
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Darnold
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Carolina Panthers
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Darnold

Which Carolina Panthers players must take advantage of more time on the field at the New Orleans Saints in Week 17?

Another disappointing season is swiftly coming to a close for the Carolina Panthers. A trip to the New Orleans Saints is their penultimate engagement of the campaign and although there is little left to salvage, that doesn’t mean coaches and players aren’t fighting for their respective futures over the final two games.

Sunday’s contest has a feel similar to that which saw the Panthers triumph against the Washington Football Team in 2020. Carolina is coming up against a team with quarterback complications and a limited chance to reach the postseason, which worked in their favor last time around at this stage of the campaign.

The Washington win cost them a top-five pick. If the Panthers win at the Saints despite missing some key figures through COVID-19, it would all but confirm selecting in a similar draft spot they’ve attained in the two years prior.

Opportunity knocks for some this weekend. Here are four Panthers that must take advantage of more playing time in Week 17.

Player No. 1

Carolina Panthers
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Frankie Luvu

Frankie Luvu – Carolina Panthers OLB

The news that Haason Reddick will miss Sunday’s game on the reserve/COVID-19 list is a body blow for the Carolina Panthers. His production throughout the campaign has been exceptional and the second level is going to be a far worse place without him at Caesars Superdome.

However, this represents another opportunity to give Frankie Luvu extended reps in the starting lineup. The former Washington State star has been a nice surprise in terms of production this season and another strong showing only heightens his claims for a new deal in 2022.

Luvu’s energy and physicality will be needed throughout. Especially considering the Saints are adopting a run-first approach with Taysom Hill under center.

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