The Carolina Panthers enter the bye week fresh off a prime-time win over the Detroit Lions, but they are also thankful the idle stretch is in full swing.
Injuries and inconsistencies have plagued the roster, putting head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan in tough spots, with areas they must attempt to resolve during the bye week. This is their chance to re-evaluate the roster to see where things stand and what more might be needed.
Here are four problems the Panthers must resolve during this critical Week 5 bye.
Problems the Carolina Panthers must solve during their bye week
Improving offensive line play
This isn't something that can be fixed during the bye week, but following it could be the return of some key assets along the front.
Veteran right tackle Taylor Moton could return in the coming weeks now that he is off blood thinners after recovering from blood clots. Versatile lineman Brady Christensen could provide some valuable depth (and potential competition) along the front five.
I'm not sure trading for an offensive lineman is in the books for the week, but the protection in front of quarterback Bryce Young has to perform better against some quality defenses like the Philadelphia Eagles coming up after the bye.
That includes Robert Hunt and a potential change at center between Luke Fortner and rookie Sam Hecht.
Establishing the run
All of the run game issues stem from an inconsistent offensive front. Yes, they found their rhythm against the Detroit Lions, allowing Chuba Hubbard to explode for 122 rushing yards and two scores. However, guys like Damien Lewis and Moton were missed at times, and Fortner just hasn't played well.
The run-game issue can be fixed by getting players back healthy and making a change at center, with Hecht becoming the guy earlier than expected. This could help Hubbard continue a productive stretch, while the potential return of running back Trevor Etienne is enticing.
Etienne likely slides into the return game duties to the dismay of fans, but he also has a chance to finally show his value as a No. 2 tailback as both a change-of-pace rusher and pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Cornerback play
I hate to continue the criticism, but cornerback Akayleb Evans was abysmal against the Lions, and I can't imagine him facing a Julio Jones-like talent and what they could turn into (see: Bene Benwikere).
Unfortunately, it's unlikely that the Panthers are making a move at the position anytime soon, which means the answer to the inconsistent play opposite rookie Will Lee III must be better.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero could turn to former standout Corey Thornton, who might be fully healthy and mentally ready to handle a larger workload in Week 6.
Chau Smith-Wade saw plenty of time on the field. However, playing as a perimeter defender could be an option, especially when he played in that role during the preseason.
If Morgan were to make a trade, my choice would be Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon, who would solve Carolina's return game issues and provide impactful depth at cornerback, enough to keep someone like Evans off the field.
The injury bug
The only thing that can resolve this is allowing these players to get healthy. No. 2 wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) and top edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (hamstring) are likely questionable for Week 6 with their respective ailments, as is star left guard Damien Lewis (UCL tear).
Wide receiver Xavier Legette (knee) was placed on injured reserve last week and will be out for at least three more games. However, his return will be helpful for the Panthers in a difficult stretch.
As I mentioned, Moton and Christensen would bolster the offensive line, as will Etienne at running back. Defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton, one of Morgan's worst free agent signings, could make his return from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to a neck injury, deepening the depth of the interior line.
The three big ones on injured reserve are cornerbacks Jaycee Horn (torn quad) and Mike Jackson (groin surgery), and running back Jonathon Brooks (core muscle surgery). They'll all eventually return in time for another stretch of games later in the campaign.
Carolina should get healthy this week with the bye week coming at a good time.
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