What can the Carolina Panthers expect from Josh Norman in Week 17?

What sort of contribution can the Carolina Panthers expect from veteran cornerback Josh Norman in Week 17 after his sensational return?

Josh Norman‘s bombshell return to the Carolina Panthers only adds to the excitement ahead of the team’s biggest game in years. Sunday’s showdown at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely determine who wins the NFC South, even though the New Orleans Saints haven’t given up hope just yet after their recent resurgence.

The stakes could not be much higher for Carolina. The fact they’re in this situation after a 1-5 start is remarkable – something that interim head coach Steve Wilks deserves untold credit for in pursuit of winning the job beyond 2022.

Norman said himself that if he felt the Panthers didn’t have a legitimate shot at reaching the postseason, this reunion doesn’t happen. Jaycee Horn is likely to miss the contest thanks to a broken wrist, so signing someone that can transition quickly was an absolute necessity with plenty on the line next weekend.

There’s no doubt Norman played the best football of his career under Wilks. It’s also worth remembering that he achieved no fewer than seven forced fumbles in 2021 on the San Francisco 49ers, which wasn’t enough for a new deal or an opportunity elsewhere.

What can the Carolina Panthers expect from Josh Norman?

While the Panthers are unlikely to get an All-Pro starter in Norman, his previous relationship with Wilks and prowess for rising to the occasion is something that could provide assistance when needed most.

This was a sentiment echoed by Wilks, who stated Norman already possesses the DNA he’s returning to Carolina football. Something that’s played a significant role in the team’s impressive turnaround.

"“When Scott and I talked about it today, he has experience in this league, brings veteran leadership. And most importantly, I feel like he possesses our DNA. I know him personally; he played for me. He understands the culture that we’ve tried to create here and the element of play that we’re looking for.”"

If Horn misses the game as expected, then C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr. will be tasked with outside coverage responsibilities. However, the presence of Norman should provide a solid rotational piece on a limited basis, providing the former Coastal Carolina stud hits the ground running.

Norman’s never backed down from a challenge, that’s for sure. Asking the veteran to line up prominently against Chris Godwin or Mike Evans might be too much given the timeframe, but locking horns with Julio Jones is something the player will relish after being presented with one final chance to make an NFL statement.

This is Carolina’s biggest game for some time. An opportunity that even the brightest optimist wouldn’t have predicted considering how bad things looked once upon a time.

Wilks has installed the belief once again. And when the call arrived, Norman didn’t hesitate.

Week 17 will be one for strong characters and the Panthers cannot afford any passengers. Just how much Norman can influence proceedings on the field is debatable, but the counsel he can provide Henderson and Taylor versus opposition he knows well could make a huge difference.

And who knows, this could be another pendulum-swinging moment that spearheads the Panthers to the unlikeliest of postseason appearances.