The Carolina Panthers have some issues at the wide receiver position. After losing Kelvin Benjamin for the season to an ACL tear, the Panthers stressed their depth at the position to get them by for the 2015 season. However, the depth is getting a little bit thinner. Second-round draft pick Devin Funchess is expected to step up into the No.1 receiver role, but an injury has him doubtful to play Week 1 which could cause some additions to the roster.
According to head coach Ron Rivera via Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer, Funchess will not be starting Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars as he continues to deal with a hamstring injury that has hampered him for most of the preseason. Funchess has missed a majority of the preseason thanks to the injury delaying his time on the field with Cam Newton. While the Panthers remain faithful in Funchess, they must find other options for the time being
Person reports that right now Corey Brown and Tedd Gin Jr will be the starting two receivers for Newton Week 1. Panthers' fans will likely collectively sigh at this news. While Ginn is a solid veteran, Brown might be a surprise to start considering he dropped plenty of passes in the preseason while failing to gain consistency in practices. However, at the moment he might be the best option Carolina has. UPDATE: Funchess is not out, he is just not starting in Week 1.
Could the team try and add one more player to the roster before the season starts? The free agent market is suddenly crowded with options that Carolina would be very wise to take advantage of. Reggie Wayne is available. He showed flashes of heath and potential in his brief stint with the New England Patriots and could come cheap for the Panthers while giving the team a veteran voice to work with. Hakeem Nicks is also available. He impressed with the Tennessee Titans, but fell victim to a crowded roster group. Nicks is looking to revamp his career and Carolina could be a solid landing spot considering the talent at the quarterback spot.
For now, Greg Olsen is the leading receiver and fantasy owners will cash in on his talents. The run game will also become very critical as Jonathan Stewart leads the charge. Newton is not going to have it easy in Jacksonville with Funchess out. A return of the receiver has yet to be announced which means the Panthers 'receiving game could have a very slow start.