The injury bug is hitting Carolina hard, and it has fans concerned. Today, DJ Chark became the 5th receiver in recent weeks to fall to injury. Yesterday, Laviska Shenault suffered a concussion. Last week, Terrace Marshall, Jr. suffered a mysterious back injury that caused him to miss the second preseason game against the Giants. Derek Wright injured his knee in the first preseason game, and Damiere Byrd suffered a season-ending hamstring injury a few weeks ago. That’s 5 out of 11 receivers; three were anticipated to play significant roles in Carolina’s offense.
While Frank Reich said he “doesn’t anticipate any big moves” at the position, these injuries are unsettling. Outside of Adam Thielen, the Panthers wideouts were built on upside rather than accomplishment. Chark’s injury history, Shenault’s inconsistency, and the puzzling TMJ made for a precarious situation to begin. Carolina was counting on Shark, determined to find a way to work in Shenaulty, and hopeful that TMJ would contribute. Now Carolina’s reduced to a 33-year-old Adam Thielen, rookie Jonathan Mingo, Shi Smith, and journeyman Javon Wims. Carolina’s wideout situation was risky, but things are now becoming dire.
Reich stated he “doesn’t overreact to these things. It’s a next man up mentality.” This “healthy tension,” Reich reminded, comes with the territory. Injury is undoubtedly part of the game, and Carolina’s wideout room is a humble reminder. Thank goodness Jonathan Mingo has shown a lot of promise already, and happily, for Shi Smith, he will likely make the team.
Can Carolina recover from these injuries, or do they need to target wide receivers as teams make cuts next week?
By Tony Dunn
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