4 potential problems facing the Panthers over final four games in 2022
By Dean Jones
D.J. Moore’s injury
The Carolina Panthers got a signature win for interim head coach Steve Wilks at the Seattle Seahawks, but it came at a price. In the immediate aftermath of the triumph, concerns were raised for D.J. Moore after the wide receiver suffered a knee complication that was serious enough to warrant further examination.
According to ESPN’s insider Adam Schefter, the former first-round selection is day to day with a knee sprain. Moore’s status for Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers could throw a wrench into Carolina’s plans to win out and get their hands on the NFC South, although it’s not seen as a significant issue by those within the organization.
Hopefully, it’s nothing more than an aggravation and the Maryland product can take the field on Sunday, If not, then the onus is on players such as Laviska Shenault Jr., Shi Smith, and Terrace Marshall Jr. to step up and fill the void.
All three have flashed under Wilks at some stage or another. But asking them to fill the No. 1 wideout role if Moore misses time comes with obvious question marks.
The Panthers can ill afford their primary weapon in the passing game sitting out for even a short period. While the player won’t be giving up hope of taking the field, Carolina should prepare a contingency plan if the worst occurs.
Considering the exemplary game week preparations since Wilks took charge, every eventuality will be covered. Thankfully, Moore was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, so we’ll see how he comes out of that.