5 players the Carolina Panthers cannot afford to lose to injury in 2022

D.J. Moore – Carolina Panthers WR

Amid all the doom and gloom surrounding the Carolina Panthers last season, D.J. Moore was once again a shining light. The wide receiver put up significant numbers despite having no consistent quarterback play to call upon, which was enough for the organization to hand the former first-round pick a lucrative extension this offseason.

Moore was thoroughly deserving of such a commitment. His route-running has steadily progressed and going over 1,000 receiving yards for three straight seasons when everything around him has crumbled is a testament to his exceptional attributes.

The Panthers kept faith with the majority of last year’s wideouts, including Robbie Anderson despite some reported trade interest from the New England Patriots. But while Sam Darnold remains under center, there’s no guarantee that Carolina’s primary playmakers will get adequate distribution.

That shouldn’t matter all that much to Moore, who’ll get his numbers either way. However, if the Maryland product missed a period of time throughout the season due to injury, it has the scope for detrimental implications.

Moore needs additional assistance from other wide receivers. But the Panthers also need to keep a close eye on his fitness due to his importance – even though he’s missed just two games over his four-year career so far.