3 key Carolina Panthers storylines to watch vs. Steelers in Week 15

Carolina Panthers’ usage of D.J. Moore

There was some real concern for D.J. Moore earlier this week when a complication suffered at the Seattle Seahawks was worthy of further examinations. Although the Carolina Panthers listed their No. 1 wide receiver as questionable with an ankle problem, he’s been active in practice this week and is expected to suit up according to multiple reports.

This is great news for the Panthers and Moore, obviously. But how the wideout is utilized will be something to monitor throughout.

Moore was a relative bystander during Carolina’s win in Seattle as the offense relied heavily on running the football. Something that’s likely to continue in Week 15 given this is now the Panthers’ blueprint for success.

Running the football is all well and good, but the Panthers must find ways to get Moore involved. He’s too talented to occupy a decoy role and there will come a time when quarterback Sam Darnold has to make things happen in the passing game.

Providing the offensive line copes with the supreme threat of T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Alex Highsmith, Moore should find opportunities against Pittsburgh’s secondary. But how things go early on will determine how much the former first-round pick out of Maryland can influence proceedings.

There is also the health aspect to consider. Something that can jeopardize Moore’s overall production if not at 100 percent.