The Carolina Panthers are returning from their bye week with optimism. Head coach Dave Canales' squad is navigating tricky waters, but with several key men set to return from injury, hopes are high that they can keep this encouraging start going when the schedule gets tougher.
But this must be a collective effort.
The Panthers still have problems. There have been more good signs than bad, but now is the time to step things up. Getting an extended period to rest and reflect should serve them well, and those who haven't pulled have to raise their own stakes over the next 13 games.
There is a long way to go, and a lot of hard work remains before things are resolved. But with so many influential figures returning soon, things could be a lot worse.
Unfortunately, that may not be good news for everybody. With that in mind, here are three Panthers players whose roles could shrink as the team's injury problems subside slightly.
Carolina Panthers players whose roles could shrink as reinforcements return
Aaron Hall, DL
With Tershawn Wharton's 21-day return window opened after neck surgery, the defensive lineman will be eager to make up for lost time. That might come with a reduced role for Aaron Hall, who's been getting more involved than expected through the first four weeks.
Hall has emerged as a pleasant surprise. The Panthers have counted on the undrafted rookie with Wharton out and Bobby Brown III also missing time, but he's responded well to the challenge.
Now, he may take a back seat in a rotational role, which might be better for his overall development.
Brycen Tremayne, WR
With Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette both missing games recently, the Panthers have needed others in their wide receiver room to step up. Brycen Tremayne is among them, and he's given the offense a useful outlet that can get downfield quickly.
Coker is working hard to feature this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles. Legette is still on injured reserve, but with the encouraging emergence of John Metchie III, Tremayne could return as a backup while also making a considerable impression on special teams.
Rasheed Walker, OT
Taylor Moton's 21-day return window has also been opened, which is huge for the Panthers. He's been one of the league's most consistent right tackles for the best part of a decade, and as soon as he is fully up to speed, he will be installed in the lineup.
That's a given. It will involve some maneuvering for everyone else, but these are good problems for the Panthers to have. And this all centers on the dynamic between veteran Rasheed Walker and first-round rookie Monroe Freeling.
Freeling moved to the right after Moton was diagnosed with blood clots before Carolina's offseason program began. However, he was drafted as the team's long-term blindside protector, and if he is switched back to the blindside, that could come at Walker's expense.
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