4 Carolina Panthers that shouldn’t play in 2022 finale at Saints
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players shouldn’t play a single snap during their regular-season finale at the New Orleans Saints in Week 18?
As has been the case for many years now, the Carolina Panthers have nothing to play for in their regular-season finale at the New Orleans Saints. Any hope of winning the NFC South disintegrated during a late collapse against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which immediately shifted the focus to another immensely important offseason for the franchise in 2023.
Steve Wilks is not a quitter. His post-game comments following Carolina’s defeat made his intentions to finish on a high evident, even if another win could come with grave implications surrounding their draft status in pursuit of potentially landing a franchise quarterback.
The Saints aren’t gaining all that much from a win, either. Although they don’t have a first-round selection to call upon this spring after a draft-night deal with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.
Looking at the bigger picture would be prudent, if unlikely. With this in mind, here are four Panthers players who shouldn’t play a single snap in Week 18.
Player No. 1
C.J. Henderson – Carolina Panthers CB
There’s been reluctance from C.J. Henderson to speak in front of the media since his dismal showing at Raymond James Stadium. The cornerback was torched for two touchdowns and offered little to suggest he can ever reach the levels expected when he was taken No. 9 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020.
In truth, Henderson’s season should be over. If the Carolina Panthers want to keep him around, then taking the defensive back out of the firing line to preserve whatever confidence remains would be the wise decision.