4 silver linings from the Carolina Panthers loss at NY Giants in Week 2

Carolina Panthers could activate Laviska Shenault Jr.

Laviska Shenualt Jr. has been inactive for the first two weeks of the season as he tries to pick up the system following his trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars. But considering the lackluster production on offense, it would be a huge surprise if the same occurred again in Week 3.

The Carolina Panthers are probably forced to give Shenault the green light against the New Orleans Saints. Something that provides the offense with another dual-threat presence that can make things happen when called upon.

Shenault is a physical, invaluable presence. He also represents another chess piece that hopefully offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and Matt Rhule can utilize to their advantage.

The Saints are loaded on the defense with stars at every level. Therefore, the Panthers’ offense needs Shenault to potentially become a surprise that Dennis Smith and his staff don’t see coming.

If the former second-round selection uses his size and athleticism on the perimeter in the run game and McAdoo enables some easy catches with yards-after-reception potential, then the Panthers might be on to something.

New Orleans will set their stall out to try and prevent Christian McCaffrey from influencing proceedings too much. So quarterback Baker Mayfield needs all the weapons at his disposal to get this offense going against a stellar secondary and fierce pass rush.