4 Carolina Panthers that shouldn’t play in 2022 finale at Saints

D’Onta Foreman – Carolina Panthers RB

There’s no doubt D’Onta Foreman has already done enough to earn a new deal from the Carolina Panthers before free agency. Let’s get that out of the way before anything else.

Foreman’s bruising running style has been a tremendous asset since becoming the lead running back. Christian McCaffrey’s absence was almost offset entirely by a newfound committee approach, even if they came up short with everything on the line in Week 17.

Now that the Panthers have nothing to play for, allowing Foreman some extended rest in their season-finale can be done with almost no consequences attached. The former Texas star will want to be out there after being involved very little under Matt Rhule, even if the concerns against a formidable New Orleans Saints defensive front are there for all to see.

This depends on whether the Panthers actually intend to retain Foreman in 2023. If that’s the case, then avoiding unnecessary hits in a dead rubber could bear fruit when the time for competitive action begins again.

Carolina has Chuba Hubbard to carry the load and Raheem Blackshear’s also shown promise with limited carries in recent weeks. But after the impressive contribution made by Foreman over the second half of 2022, his status beyond this season should not be in question.